Parliamentary Female Caucus Hosts Workshop on Sexual Violence Laws

By A, R Bah

Bo City, Sierra Leone – A cross-section of Members of Parliament (MPs) began a three-day advocacy workshop on Thursday, November 14, 2024, to assess and discuss the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 and its 2019 amendments. The event, held at Galliness Paradise in Bo City, gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government ministries, departments and agencies, women’s rights activists, and international partners.

Organized by the Parliamentary Female Caucus with support from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other key partners, the workshop is aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act—a crucial piece of legislation designed to combat sexual violence and protect survivors.

In her opening address, Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, underscored the significance of the workshop. She expressed hope that the event would foster greater collaboration and drive positive changes in the fight against sexual violence in Sierra Leone. “This workshop provides an invaluable platform for dialogue among stakeholders,” said Hon. Songa. “Sexual offences continue to be a significant issue in our society, and we must work together to ensure the full implementation of the laws that are meant to protect our people, especially our children and women.”

She noted that sexual offences have a profound impact on the social and economic fabric of the country, and emphasized that collaborative efforts, both within Parliament and across society, are essential for increasing public awareness and improving the implementation of the Act.

Ms. Kareem Jabre, the Director of Programmes at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), spoke via webinar on behalf of the IPU Secretary General. In her remarks, she praised the efforts of the Parliamentary Female Caucus and all the stakeholders involved in organizing the event. Ms. Jabre highlighted the global nature of the sexual violence crisis, stating that sexual violence is a pressing human rights issue that requires urgent action from all sectors. She emphasized the critical role MPs play in allocating resources, strengthening laws, and ensuring accountability in the fight against sexual violence.

Mr. Gilbert Nhabay, the Deputy Clerk of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, also addressed participants. He highlighted that any law is only effective when its provisions are implemented and enforced. Reflecting on the 2019 amendments to the Sexual Offences Act, Mr. Nhabay explained that the amendments were introduced in response to the alarming rise in sexual crimes in Sierra Leone, leading to the President declaring a state of emergency. He called on MPs to take the lead in championing the law’s implementation and expressed hope that the workshop would provide MPs with the knowledge and tools to effectively oversee the implementation of the legislation.

Drawing attention to a 2020 research study, Mr. Nhabay noted that the majority of sexual offences victims in Sierra Leone are children. He shared a recent tragic incident in which a victim of sexual violence died, further underlining the urgent need for stronger enforcement and oversight of the law.

Workshop Topics and Sessions

The three-day workshop will feature a range of presentations and discussions on critical aspects of sexual violence legislation and its impact. Key sessions include:

1. Parliamentary Oversight of Sexual Violence Legislation – Presented by Hillary Gbedewah, an expert from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), this session will focus on Parliament’s role in ensuring effective oversight of the Sexual Offences Act and the challenges and opportunities in this area.
2. Policy Considerations Behind the Enactment of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 and 2019 Amendments – Delivered by Mr. Charles Vandy, Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, this presentation will examine the historical and policy context that led to the creation and amendments of the Sexual Offences Act.
3. Status of Trials, Sanctions, and Efforts to Hold Offenders Accountable – A session dedicated to discussing the current state of sexual offences trials, the effectiveness of sanctions, and the progress in holding perpetrators accountable.
4. Providing Support Services to Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) – This session will address the importance of providing adequate support services for survivors, including counseling, legal aid, and health services.
5. Prevention Initiatives and Programs – A discussion on the need for preventative measures, public education campaigns, and community engagement programs to reduce sexual violence.

Objective of the Workshop

The primary goal of the workshop is to improve understanding of the Sexual Offences Act and to strengthen its implementation through collaborative discussions and actionable strategies. The workshop seeks to empower MPs and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to advocate for better resources, training, and coordination in tackling sexual violence in Sierra Leone. By enhancing the implementation of the Act, the workshop aims to reduce the incidence of sexual violence, improve the justice system’s response, and ensure better support for survivors.