At Rainbo Initiative, we are more than just a provider of free comprehensive medical treatments and psychosocial services to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone. We are a local initiative driven by a deep passion to end Gender-Based Violence in communities and promote social and equal opportunities for all. In addition to our core services, we support survivors in various ways, ensuring their holistic well-being and empowerment.
Imagine a world where survivors of Gender-Based Violence are not only provided with medical care but also receive comprehensive support that nurtures their bodies, restores their self-worth, empowers them to seek justice, and creates lasting change in their communities. From providing nourishing meals to uplifting the spirit, reimbursing transportation costs to breaking barriers, offering dignity kits to symbolize a fresh start, guiding survivors through the legal process, and empowering communities to act, Rainbo Initiative is setting standards of care and support. Here are five ways Rainbo Initiative goes beyond medical care and psychosocial services to truly transform the lives of survivors of GBV.
1. Provision of Food: Nurturing the Body and Soul
We understand that survivors may face challenges in meeting their basic needs, especially during their visit to our Centres. To alleviate this burden, we provide nutritious meals to survivors at our centres, ensuring they get the strength they need to take the drugs necessary for their physical and emotional recovery. This provision of food not only nourishes the body but also uplifts the spirit, demonstrating compassion and care. By addressing their immediate nutritional needs, we contribute to their overall well-being and help create a safe and supportive environment.
A survivor having a meal in one of our Rainbo Centres. Photo by Bob Lamin/RI
2. Transportation Refunds for Accessible Care: Removing Financial Barriers
Recognizing the financial strain survivors may encounter when coming to our Centres, we offer transportation refunds to them and one accompanying family member. “By offering transportation refunds, we ensure that no survivor is hindered by financial constraints, allowing them to access the care and support they deserve,” says Regina Lumeh, GBV Response Supervisor, Makeni Rainbo Centre.
This initiative aims to remove barriers to accessing our services, ensuring that survivors can seek the help they need without worrying about the costs involved. “Every survivor’s journey to healing matters to us,” says Regina. “By offering refunds for transportation costs, we prioritize their access to care and demonstrate our commitment to supporting survivors throughout their healing journey.”
3. Dignity Kits and Clothing: Restoring Self-Worth and Respect
At Rainbo Initiative, respecting the dignity of survivors is at the core of our work. We firmly believe in upholding the dignity of survivors, which is why we provide them with dignity kits and clothing. These kits contain essential items such as toiletries, sanitary products, and basic clothing, enabling survivors to maintain their hygiene and dignity. By providing these tangible resources, we empower survivors to regain a sense of normalcy and self-worth, fostering their emotional healing and resilience.
A survivor unpacking her Dignity kits. Photo by Bob Lamin/RI
The new clothes they {Rainbo Initiative} gave me helped me to regain a sense of my dignity. said one survivor.
4. Provision of Information on Legal Services: Empowering Survivors to Seek Justice
Navigating the legal system can be daunting for survivors who wish to seek justice for the crimes committed against them. As part of our comprehensive support, we offer information regarding the legal system in Sierra Leone, equipping survivors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about pursuing legal action. Affirming this, one survivor said, “Rainbo Initiative didn’t just give me information; they gave me the courage to stand up, speak out, and demand the justice I deserved. Our guidance empowers survivors to assert their rights and seek justice, while also advocating for systemic change to address the root causes of Gender-Based Violence.
5. Creating Lasting Change: Community Empowerment
Rainbo Initiative recognizes that ending Gender-Based Violence requires a collective effort. Beyond our direct survivor care, we actively engage in community empowerment and advocacy initiatives, working to create lasting change. Through awareness campaigns, trainings, and community engagements with a spice of drama, we empower and mobilize communities to act against Gender-Based Violence. By fostering a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for violence, Rainbo Initiative aims to create lasting change. Our community-centred approach not only supports survivors but also lays the foundation for a society that promotes equal opportunities for all including survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
Community Engagement Meeting in Lango Town, Kenema City. Photo by Bob Lamin/RI
The Impact of Rainbo Initiative’s Comprehensive Support
We are proud to stand alongside survivors of Gender-Based Violence, providing them with comprehensive support beyond medical care and psychosocial services. Through our support, we aim to address the multifaceted needs of survivors and contribute to their holistic healing, empowerment, and justice.
Our approach is centred around survivors, their experiences, and their unique journey towards healing. We believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where survivors are heard, valued, and empowered to make choices that best serve their individual needs.” Says Anthony Sam, Senior Programmes Manager, Rainbo Initiative.
Together, with the support of our dedicated team and community partners, we are not only transforming the lives of individual survivors but also creating a future free from Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone where equal opportunities are realized for all.
To read more about Rainbo Initiative’s work in Sierra Leone, you can follow our work on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.