Through the Survivors Solidarity Fund, Rainbo Initiative is giving a total of 520 dignity kits to survivors of sexual violence who visit our 5 Rainbo Centres in Freetown, Bo, Makeni, Kenema and Kono.
The support with dignity kits is a way to help survivors heal with dignity and able to cope with the trauma that is related to sexual assault. The dignity kit/bag contains transport refund, sanitary pad, towel, toiletries including soap, toothbrush, body splash, underwear, clothing, lappa and soft toys. This package is to compliment Rainbo Initiative’s client support, and it is normally provided for survivors who are vulnerable that require further care and support after receiving treatment.
A survivor with the Dignity Kit. Phone by Bob Lamin/RI
The Survivors Solidarity Fund is more than a simple response to a singular moment, but it is a movement to mobilise resources and encourage grass-root support to survivors of SGBV in Sierra Leone. The initiative came into being out of a moment of collective grief and outrage in the country, after the rape and subsequent death of 5-year-old Kadija.
The fund was given to national organisations that provide essential lifesaving and life-sustaining services to survivors of sexual violence and it is used for direct support to all survivors of sexual violence irrespective of sex, age, tribe, region, nationality or colour.
Rainbo Initiative received the funds and committed to continue providing free medical and psychosocial services and age-appropriate treatments for survivors of Sexual Gender Based-Violence (SGBV) across the five Rainbo Centres in Sierra Leone.
Presentation of the Survivors Solidarity Fund Cheque to Rainbo Initiative
Since receiving the fund in August, Rainbo has:
- Treated and supported 910 SGBV survivors from across the five Rainbo Centres.
- Ten (10) had serious illnesses and were referred for specialised care and treatment at various private and government hospitals.
- Hired two (2) additional medical doctors to handle the increased number of reported cases in Freetown, leading to a quick turn around in signing the medical certificate.
- Procured drugs and equipment, including microscopes and examination lights for use in all the centres.
- Hired a psychosocial support counsellor for staff, to improve the quality of services provided to survivors at the five Rainbo Centers.