In a historic and timely move to address the growing crisis of gender-based violence affecting women and girls across Africa and the wider global community, Rescue Perishing Generation-Africa (RPG-AFRICA), in collaboration with Harmony for Humanity Foundation, will host a high-level virtual Women Empowerment Session under the theme:
“Confronting and Countering Gender-Based Violence for Women and Girls”
The international forum is scheduled for 26th May 2026 at 5:00 PM Sierra Leone Time via Zoom and will bring together diplomats, humanitarian leaders, legal advocates, counsellors, educators, psychologists, peace ambassadors, and civil society stakeholders committed to advancing awareness, healing, justice, and empowerment for women and girls.
The initiative comes at a crucial moment as communities across Sierra Leone and the African continent continue to confront the harsh realities of domestic abuse, sexual violence, exploitation, emotional trauma, discrimination, mental health struggles, and the long-term social and economic effects of violence against women and girls.
According to international and regional advocacy reports, gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. Across parts of Africa, many women and girls continue to face alarming levels of abuse, while countless incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, economic hardship, cultural barriers, and lack of access to support systems.
Advocates note that violence against women and girls not only impacts physical safety, but also affects education, mental wellness, economic mobility, leadership opportunities, and community development. Many young girls continue to miss school due to menstrual health challenges, poverty, shame, and inadequate access to sanitary support and education.
For Sierra Leone, organizers say the issue carries deep historical and social significance. Years of post-conflict recovery, economic inequality, limited resources, and social vulnerabilities have intensified the need for sustained advocacy, education, and psychosocial support systems for women and girls.
Speaking ahead of the event, Amb. Pst. Amodu Amugili Koroma, CEO of Rescue Perishing Generation-Africa (RPG-AFRICA),described the initiative as a transformative partnership that seeks to create long-term impact throughout Sierra Leone and beyond.
“Gender-based violence continues to rob many women and girls of their dignity, confidence, safety, education, and future. For far too long, many victims have suffered in silence because of fear, stigma, poverty, and limited access to support systems. This forum is not simply another conference — it is a movement aimed at restoring hope, strengthening awareness, and building safer communities for women and girls.”
Providing historical context, Amb. Koroma reflected on the resilience of African women despite decades of social and economic hardship:
“Historically, women across Africa have carried enormous burdens through conflict, poverty, inequality, and violence, yet they continue to stand as the backbone of families and communities. In Sierra Leone particularly, women and girls have endured challenges that require not only policy discussions but practical interventions, education, counselling support, and community empowerment. We believe this initiative is necessary because awareness creates action, and action creates change.”
He further emphasized the significance of the collaboration between RPG-AFRICA and Harmony for Humanity Foundation, noting that the partnership represents a major step toward sustainable advocacy and humanitarian outreach.
“We are honoured to partner with Harmony for Humanity Foundation and such distinguished international advocates, diplomats, counsellors, and humanitarian leaders. This collaboration demonstrates the power of global partnerships in addressing local realities. Together, we are committed to creating platforms that empower women and girls, encourage healing, strengthen mental wellness, and inspire future leadership.”
Amb. Koroma also revealed that the organization will be launching additional community initiatives throughout the year, including activities surrounding Menstrual Hygiene Day, mental health and hygiene awareness campaigns, educational outreach programmes for girls in schools, and empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to support services for vulnerable populations.
“Many girls continue to miss school because of poor menstrual hygiene access, shame, and lack of sanitary resources. Mental health challenges also remain deeply overlooked in many communities. Through our upcoming Menstrual Hygiene Day initiatives and education programmes, we intend to create safe spaces where women and girls can learn, heal, grow in confidence, and access the support they deserve. These programmes are not luxuries; they are necessities for national development and community wellbeing.”
The forum will feature a distinguished panel of speakers whose expertise spans diplomacy, counselling, psychology, law, education, humanitarian response, advocacy, leadership, and international development.
Featured speakers include:
- HRH Amb. Dr. Nana Adwoa Enyinfuaa III, Queen of Ekumfi Swedru and Founder/CEO of Ena Kare Foundation
- Dr. Ianka Rodriguez, Founder of Hands of Mercy Health Initiative Project and Global Humanitarian Peace Ambassador
- Janet Faith Manyeh, Law Student in Sierra Leonne and Advocate on Legal and Social Responses to Violence
- Dr. Sanett Hanniford, Educator, Academic Researcher, Diplomatic Liaison, and International Advocate
H.E. Ambassador Vicky Newton, Counsellor, Government of the United Kingdom
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Onika Campbell-Rowe, Global Peace Ambassador, Humanitarian and Human Rights Specialist, and Founder of Harmony for Humanity Foundation
Speaking on the role of education and advocacy in dismantling cycles of abuse, Dr. Sanett Hanniford stated:
“Gender-based violence is not only a private issue; it is a societal crisis that affects the emotional, economic, and developmental wellbeing of entire communities. Education, advocacy, and intentional leadership are critical in creating safer spaces for women and girls to thrive.”
HRH Amb. Dr. Nana Adwoa Enyinfuaa III underscored the importance of restoring dignity and strengthening support systems for survivors:
“Women and girls deserve protection, dignity, and opportunity. We must continue building communities where victims are believed, supported, and empowered to heal. Our voices, traditions, leadership, and institutions must work together to end violence and restore hope.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Onika Campbell-Rowe called for urgent global solidarity and practical interventions:
“Gender-based violence is a human rights issue, a public health issue, and a development issue. We cannot build sustainable communities while women and girls live in fear. Through dialogue, advocacy, education, and policy engagement, we can create transformative change and break cycles of violence for future generations.”
Topics to be explored during the forum include:
- Gender-Based Violence Awareness
- Human Rights Implications
- Women and Girls Protection
- Trauma Healing and Mental Wellness
- Advocacy and Community Empowerment
- Legal and Social Responses to Violence
- Menstrual Hygiene Awareness
- Mental Health and Community Wellness
Organizers say the event aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The collaboration between Rescue Perishing Generation-Africa and Harmony for Humanity Foundation reflects a growing international movement dedicated to advancing humanitarian outreach, gender equality, mental health awareness, educational empowerment, and restorative justice for vulnerable communities.
Participants from Sierra Leone, across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and the wider diaspora are expected to join the virtual session as organizers continue building strategic partnerships designed to foster awareness, healing, empowerment, and sustainable social transformation.
“Let’s Speak Up. Stand Strong. Break the Silence.”
For partnership opportunities, media participation, or Zoom registration details, interested participants are encouraged to connect with Rescue Perishing Generation-Africa (RPG-AFRICA) and Harmony for Humanity Foundation through their official networks and social media platforms.
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