WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

 

GNWP logoICAN logo


Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of all our members in
Sierra Leone, namely National Organization for Women (NOW); WIPNET-SL, Women's Forum, Women's Partnership for Justice and Peace; and MARWOPNET-SL, we would like to inform you of the recent enactment of Sierra Leone's Sexual Offenses Bill 2012.

This is a huge achievement, which is much due to the relentless work and advocacy of women's organizations such as the above mentioned GNWP members in Sierra Leone, as well as the firm commitment of Honorable Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs, Stephen Gaojia, who has again and again demonstrated his dedication to end impunity on sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.

This is an inspiration to all of us!
Congratulations to all of our friends in
Sierra Leone!  

Below and linked here is GNWP's congratulatory message to Minister Gaojia.

Warmly,

GNWP Coordinating Team 


 ~~~~~~

August 30, 2012 

 

The Honorable Minister Stephen J. Gaojia 

Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs  

Republic of Sierra Leone 

 

Dear Hon. Minister Gaojia, 

 

I would like to convey our heartfelt congratulations on the recent enactment of Sierra Leone's Sexual Offenses Bill 2012.

 

The passage of the sexual offenses bill is a critical step in ending impunity on sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. It sends a strong message that the people of Sierra Leone will no longer tolerate the scourge of sexual and gender-based that has ruined the lives of countless women and girls. It can also lead to concrete actions to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and adequate response to meet the needs of survivors. Moreover, it will also be a significant contribution to the full and effective implementation of Sierra Leone's NAP on the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820.

 

This landmark legislative development is a testament to your unwavering commitment to end impunity on sexual and gender-based violence; and the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls.

 

Congratulations and appreciation also go to GNWP members MARWOPNET-SL, National Organization for Women; WIPNET-SL, Women's Forum, Women's Partnership for Justice and Peace and all civil society organizations who have been working tirelessly to combat sexual and gender-based violence and actively lobbied for the passing of the sexual offenses bill. 

 

On behalf of GNWP-ICAN, I wish you more power to realize your vision of a more egalitarian, just, peaceful and prosperous society for the Sierra Leonean people. I would like to re-affirm our commitment to our continued partnership towards gender equality, people-based development and long lasting peace.

 


Mavic Cabrera-Balleza
International Coordinator
Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, a program partner of the International Civil society Action Network
Tel:
1 212 729 1062
355 Lexington Avenue
, 3rd Floor
New York 10017 USA
www.gnwp.org