The Government of Sierra Leone has demonstrated its commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by amending the Sexual Offences Act in 2019. As a result, the Act now focuses on the protection of rights holders and offers strategic guidance to duty bearers.

Drawing on the policy, The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has developed the National Male Involvement Strategy for the Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone. (A strategy to manage the response to SGBV is in development.) The National Male Involvement Strategy adopts a socially transformative approach that seeks to accelerate implementation by encouraging the participation of men and boys as change agents and champions of women’s and girls’ rights, in their families, communities, schools and work places. It goes further to also encourage mitigating conflicts, sensitizing their peers and ensuring survivors receive appropriate services.