Survivors Solidarity Group Training in Bo District.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025,  Rainbo Initiative, a leading anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) organization in Sierra Leone, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global moment of solidarity, reflection, and renewed commitment to ending all forms of gender and sexuality-based violence. This day marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 – December 10), a global campaign that amplifies the voices of women and girls and advocates for their safety, dignity, and rights.

This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights a critical and growing reality: as digital spaces expand, so too does the threat of online abuse, harassment, exploitation, and violence targeting women and girls.

The Dual Threat: Offline Violence Meets Digital Abuse

Rainbo Initiative is using this pivotal moment to draw urgent attention of governments, our development partners,  technology companies, civil society groups, and communities to the rising incidents of digital violence, an often overlooked but deeply harmful form of abuse that affects survivors’ mental health, personal safety, and freedom of expression.

According to UN Women, one in every three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, most often at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. In 2024 alone, Rainbo Initiative recorded more than 2,700 cases of GBV across Sierra Leone. These incidents range from sexual and physical assaults to psychological and digital abuse, all of which continue to endanger the lives and well-being of women and girls in our communities.

“At Rainbo, every form of violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, or digital, is unacceptable. Our mandate is clear: the moment violence is perpetrated against an individual, a crime has been committed. That is why we have strengthened our safeguarding measures, expanded our 599 toll-free lines, and through the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative, we are launching the first mobile clinic ambulances to ensure survivors across Sierra Leone can receive counselling and support wherever they are,” said Daniel F.H. Kettor, Executive Director, Rainbo Initiative Sierra Leone.

A Proven Commitment to Survivors

Counselling session with one of our survivors.

Over the past five years, Rainbo Initiative has reached more than 500,000 individuals through awareness and prevention programs. Crucially, we have supported over 50,000 victims and survivors from vulnerable communities with essential economic and psychosocial services, restoring hope and strengthening their journeys of healing and resilience. This year, Rainbo Initiative is enhancing its support by launching a mobile clinic dedicated to survivors and introducing “Real Story, Silent Voice,” a new podcast series that provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences.

For survivors, digital platforms are often vital spaces for sharing their stories, accessing resources, and building supportive networks. However, for these platforms to truly serve as safe havens, the digital threat must be addressed.

“Social media spaces, don’t forget, we need to be mindful of the words and messages that we share on these platforms, so we don’t hurt others,” said Bilkish Kabia, Survivor Solidarity Group, Kambia.

Call for Collective Action and Accountability

The 2025 16 Days of Activism Launch in Freetown.

Achieving a truly GBV-free Sierra Leone requires stronger coordination and collaboration across all sectors. While the government’s enactment of laws, such as the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021, is significant, the scale of the challenge demands unity.

Rainbo Initiative joins global voices in calling for urgent action from:

• Government: To enforce existing laws and strengthen the justice system’s capacity to prosecute online and offline violence.
• Technology Companies: To make digital platforms safer, more accountable, and more inclusive.
• Communities: To challenge harmful norms and become active protectors against all forms of violence.

“Ending gender-based violence requires all of us. Rainbo works hand-in-hand with government institutions, justice systems, community leaders, and development partners because GBV cannot be addressed in isolation. By embracing locally driven solutions and challenging harmful norms, both online and offline, we can build a Sierra Leone where everyone is free from violence and protected with dignity,” Daniel F.H. Kettor, Executive Director, Rainbo Initiative Sierra Leone.

Join the National Movement: Sponsored Walk Against GBV

Participant of the 2024 sponsored walk against SGBV in Freetown.

As part of this year’s nationwide call to action, Rainbo Initiative invites all citizens, partners, activists, and survivors to join the Sponsored Walk Against GBV on December 6th. This walk symbolizes collective strength, shared responsibility, and a national resolve to end all forms of gender-based violence.

We call on every Sierra Leonean man, woman, young person, community leader, and institution to stand together and reject all forms of violence. Ending GBV is a national duty that requires unity, courage, and compassion. Together, online and offline, we must defend the dignity, rights, and dreams of women and girls everywhere.