61%
Women aged 15 to 49 in Sierra Leone who have experienced SGBV
SGBV, including harmful traditional practices and human trafficking, is prevalent in rural communities. SGBV has become so rampant that a nationwide state of emergency on rape and assault was declared by the government in 2019.
Media Matters for Women’s work is changing attitudes about the acceptability of wife beating, female-genital mutilation and the subjugated role of women. Our programs cover what SGBV is, what to do when it occurs and how to prevent it. We involve male audiences so they understand the suffering that many women experience. We support women to access legal assistance, report crimes and pursue justice.
MMW is at the forefront in building a women’s movement that is creating a safety net across Sierra Leone. We have established coalitions to fight against SGBV. MMW is represented on the African Union Task Force on harmful traditional practices.
