Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 8, 2025. 

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Rainbo Initiative, a leading organisation in the fight against GBV in Sierra Leone, successfully held a nationwide Survivor Solidarity Sponsored Walk across all 16 districts in the country, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, drawing thousands of participants, partners, community members, and young people in a unified call to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). 

The day’s flagship event took place in Freetown, where participants marched from Jui to the Montana Car Park, Lumley Beach Road. The procession passed through major economic and residential areas, including Calaba Town, Wellington, Ferry Junction, Kissy Road, Cotton Tree, Siaka Steven Street, Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, and Lumley Beach Road. 

Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs marching together with Daniel Kettor, the Executive Director of Rainbo Initiative.

The walk was formally launched by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, who stressed the importance of collective action and government protection for women and children.

“Ending SGBV requires strong community ownership and continuous public engagement. This walk is a bold reminder that prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” Dr. Mahoi declared, before releasing an orange balloon to mark the official start of the march.

At the gathering, representatives from partner organisations, donors, and community groups reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms for survivors and supporting Rainbo Initiative’s essential services.

As the marchers gathered at Montana Car Park for the closing ceremony, the tone shifted from symbolic solidarity to policy advocacy. A major highlight was the presentation of a Position Paper by Kathie Kamara, Vice President of the Survivor Solidarity Group (SSG), to Minister Mahoi.

The paper demanded:

• Responsible reporting of SGBV cases.
• Enhanced survivor-centred services.
• Stronger accountability structures and policy enforcement across all mandated institutions.

Kathie Kamara, Vice President SSG, presenting the position paper to Dr. Mahoi.

The event showcased high-level support from the international community and local civil society. The Board Chair of Rainbo Initiative, Mrs. Margaret Bernard-Jones, joined representatives from the Irish Embassy (Irish Aid), Trócaire, UNFPA, UN Women, SEND Sierra Leone, and Concern for the Development of Disabled Women and Children in delivering messages of solidarity.

Representatives from Rainbo Initiative Federation chapters in Guinea and Liberia were also in attendance, pledging a sub-regional, multi-sectoral approach to ending violence against women and children. The consensus among speakers was clear: collaboration and community education are the only paths to sustainable change.

The Sponsored Walk remains one of Rainbo Initiative’s largest and most visible public engagements. By bridging the gap between survivors, policymakers, and the broader public, the organisation continues to reinforce its mission to provide essential services while advancing national efforts in preventing and advocating against SGBV.