Sierra Leone Deepens Commitment to Survivor-Centered GBV Response with New Inter-Agency Agreement...

Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 10, 2026: A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), formalizing a strategic partnership to strengthen national responses to gender-based violence (GBV) within social protection programs.

The ceremony, held at the MoGCA Conference Room on Waterloo Street, marked a major step in building a coordinated, survivor-centered, and accountable framework for addressing GBV incidents reported through Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs).

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs - Dr. Isata Mahoi stated that *"The signing of this MoU shows Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to protecting survivors of gender-based violence. By bringing MoGCA, NaCSA, and ACC together, we are building grievance systems that are transparent, accountable, and survivor-centered. This partnership strengthens dignity, rights, and justice, ensuring no survivor is left unheard as we work toward a safer, more equitable Sierra Leone"*

Commissioner of NaCSA, Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, emphasized that the agreement strengthens survivor economic support and builds public confidence in grievance processes.*"This partnership restores dignity by empowering survivors economically and reinforcing trust in grievance systems. It reflects our commitment to transparency, fairness, and sustainable empowerment, ensuring communities feel secure and supported."*

Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie, Deputy Commissioner of the ACC reinforced the Commission’s position in fighting corruption. *"The ACC remains resolute in protecting public resources and ensuring accountability. This agreement reinforces survivor support and strengthens grievance systems, building trust and transparency across our institutions."*

The UNICEF Country Representative commended the Government of Sierra Leone for demonstrating strong leadership in advancing a coordinated, survivor-centered response. The Representative noted that the MoU represents a critical step toward protecting women and children from violence, exploitation, and abuse, particularly those reached through social protection programs.

The agreement provides for internal referral pathways, regular staff training, quarterly joint reviews, coordinated information sharing, and survivor feedback mechanisms. MoGCA will lead national coordination, while NaCSA and ACC will provide programmatic and accountability support. Provisions on financial management, transparency, and annual review ensure sustainability and continuous improvement.

The signing of this MoU represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s fight against gender-based violence. By uniting MoGCA, NaCSA, and ACC under a shared framework, the Government has reinforced its commitment to survivor protection, ethical governance, and coordinated service delivery.

As Commissioner Ndomahina, Deputy Commissioner Ngobie, and the UNICEF Country Representative all underscored, this partnership affirms collective responsibility to uphold dignity, rights, and wellbeing—ensuring that no survivor is left behind.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539*