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In Port Loko city, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) ended a two-day national workshop on strengthening GBV grievance response mechanisms on Friday, March 7th, 2025. The workshop, funded by the government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and UNICEF, brought together representatives from various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the Social Protection Technical Steering Committee (TSC).
Dr. Susan Robert is NaCSA’s Senior Director for Programme Development and Quality Assurance. In her opening remarks, she underscored the importance of gender education for livelihood program implementers. She noted that the Commission is committed to ensuring quality representation at the staff and beneficiary levels.
Md. Ramatu Kargbo, the GBV Consultant from the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, describes the workshop as Interesting and an opportunity for all to learn basic gender concepts and systems established by the government to address Gender Based Violence and its associated referral pathways. *‘’The workshop serves as a platform for the linkages between social protection and Gender Based Violence to be strengthened and further identify areas of alignment which is critical to the successes of social protection programs.’’* Shed ended.
The psychosocial counsellor from Rain Bowl Initiatives, Md Roseline J Kamara, was instrumental during the sessions. She noted that the workshop provided an opportunity for all attendees to better understand the issues around GBV, and the aspect of how to handle survivors was well articulated.
Kind regards, Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF Sierra Leone noted that the workshop is an opportunity to examine how we can bridge gaps in referral systems, ensuring a safe and dignified response centred on survivors. She noted that our expertise and dedication can transform social protection mechanisms into safety, justice, and healing pathways.
*‘’Welcome to our workshop on enhancing grievance response mechanisms for gender-based violence in Sierra Leone's social protection programs. Our goal is to establish systems that protect and empower survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. While cash transfers pose risks, effective social protection can help reduce vulnerabilities. It's vital to strengthen accessible, survivor-centred grievance mechanisms, and collaboration among government, civil society, and service providers is key for timely support. Let’s use this workshop to share insights and commit to creating a more responsive and gender-sensitive social protection system.’’* She ended.
The Senior Director for the National Social Protection Secretariat, Mr Idris Turay, reiterated the importance of a multisector approach to strengthening the systems necessary to address GBV. *‘’Greetings from the Commissioner—Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina would have loved to be in attendance. We must assure you that NaCSA is committed to strengthening Gender-Based Violence Grievance Response Mechanisms to enhance social protection. I was impressed with the discussions and saw the room's knowledge and expertise. We should also be reminded that there is more to GBV, and collaboration and resources are required to ensure we address the issues. We are certain that we will have a good GBV action very soon, and we will be here again to do a final touch.’’* He assured.
In conclusion, the Social Development Specialist, Md. Isata Bangura expressed special thanks and appreciation to the attendees and to all institutions that contributed to the workshop's success in diverse ways.
*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*
*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*
*+23277022709/+23230518539*
*umarusamai@nacsa.gov.sl /johnfornah@nacsa.gov.sl*
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