By: Miracle Seer
Guma Building, Freetown, Sierra Leone –Thursday 27th February 2025 – The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., held a productive discussions with Mr. Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, and a representative from the World Bank to address the growing concern of sexual penetration and gender-based violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone’s schools.
The discussion focused on implementing strategies that will strengthen the accountability regime within the education sector and ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence in schools are held accountable. The meeting also explored ways to enhance the legal framework, providing better support, including legal services, for survivors of sexual violence.
Minister Alpha Sesay emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are prosecuted, and survivors are provided with the necessary legal and psychosocial support to recover and rebuild their lives. He acknowledged the critical role of educational institutions in promoting gender equality and protecting students, adding that a collective effort from all sectors of society is essential in tackling gender-based violence in schools.
Minister Conrad Sackey expressed his ministry’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Justice, the Teaching Service Commission, and other stakeholders to ensure that schools become safe havens for learning. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the training and sensitization of teachers, students, and parents on issues related to sexual violence and gender-based violence.
The combined efforts of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, and the World Bank will undoubtedly help to strengthen the existing frameworks, offering survivors better protection and access to justice.
The collective and coordinated approach taken in this meeting is crucial in ensuring that Sierra Leone’s response to sexual penetration and gender-based violence is comprehensive, effective, and sustainable. As the government continues to strengthen its efforts, the priority remains to build an education system where students, particularly girls, can thrive in a safe, supportive, and non-violent environment.
