CGSJ Promotes Mental Health and Gender Equality
By Abdul Rahman Bah
On Saturday 1 November 2025 The Center for Gender and Social Justice (CGSJ) transformed Kallon Car Park into a hub of energy and unity as hundreds of citizens, specialist doctors, and gender advocates gathered for a vibrant health walk and awareness campaign. The event, themed “Breaking the Silence: Promoting Mental Well-being and Ending Gender-Based Violence,” brought together people from all walks of life, reflecting a shared commitment to mental health advocacy and social justice.
The walk began at Congo Cross, with participants carrying banners and chanting motivational slogans as they made their way to Lumley Beach Kallon Car Park, spreading messages of hope, resilience, and equality along the way.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of CGSJ, Madam Janisa Edwina Francess Momodu, said the initiative was designed to spark nationwide awareness and conversations about mental health an issue often overlooked despite its growing impact. “Today, we walk to break the silence around mental illness, to show that it is okay to speak out, and to call for an end to all forms of gender-based violence that destroy lives and communities,” she said.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Madam Isata Mahoi, praised CGSJ for its leadership in addressing social issues that cut across gender and health. She stressed that the ministry remains committed to working with civil society groups to advance mental health policies and create safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence. “We must treat mental wellness as a national priority. A healthy mind builds stronger families, communities, and a peaceful nation,” she affirmed.
Specialist doctors who participated in the event delivered insightful talks on stress management, emotional resilience, and early signs of mental health disorders. They emphasized the need for access to counseling and community-based support, especially for victims of trauma and abuse.
The event also featured fitness exercises, motivational music, and testimonies from survivors who shared stories of recovery and empowerment. Participants wore branded T-shirts with the message “Break the Silence Support Mental Health, End Gender-Based Violence.”
By the close of the event at Lumley Beach, the crowd joined in a symbolic moment of reflection, pledging to continue spreading awareness in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
The CGSJ Health Walk was widely described as an inspiring demonstration of solidarity and civic responsibility showing that change begins when citizens come together to speak out, support one another, and stand up for justice and well-being
