Makeni: The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs has concluded a regional validation workshop on the Child Safeguarding Policy, bringing together key stakeholders from across Makeni, Bombali District, Northern Region to review and strengthen measures aimed at protecting children from abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the workshop attracted officials from the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, District Child Protection Officers, members of Child-Friendly Networks, and child protection advocates. In his welcome address, the Assistant Director of the Ministry in Bombali District, Gassimu Sesay, underscored the importance of the validation exercise, encouraging attendees to share their experiences and recommendations to help enrich the policy and support its effective implementation.
During the opening session, Bashiru Thullah Esq., Assistant Director at the Ministry's headquarters, delivered a presentation on the background, context, and significance of the Child Safeguarding Policy. He emphasized that safeguarding policies are essential tools for protecting children from violence, abuse, and exploitation, providing a comprehensive framework for promoting child welfare, safety, and legal protection.
Mr. Thullah explained that the policy recognizes the rights of all children under the age of 18 and seeks to prevent discrimination and exclusion from education, social services, and welfare opportunities. He highlighted different forms of child abuse, including physical violence, sexual abuse, and neglect, and outlined the guiding principles of child safeguarding, such as the best interests of the child and community involvement.
Speaking on institutional responsibilities, he stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving government ministries, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, families, and communities. He noted that the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the police, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders have critical roles in responding to cases of sexual and gender-based violence and child abuse.
Highlighting the importance of awareness and community engagement, Mr. Thullah called for stronger referral mechanisms and support systems for children in need of alternative care, psychosocial services, and medical attention. He also outlined prevention strategies, including promoting life skills and education, engaging community and religious leaders, and increasing public awareness of female genital mutilation's harmful effects.
The workshop allowed participants to share recommendations aimed at strengthening child protection systems nationwide. Key suggestions included improving institutional care and support services, strengthening safeguarding cultures within organizations, integrating cyber protection measures to address online risks affecting children, and increasing government investment in child welfare initiatives.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy, Ibrahim Kamara, thanked participants for their active engagement and commitment to advancing child protection efforts across the Northern Region. He described the Child Safeguarding Policy as a timely and important framework that will contribute significantly to protecting children and promoting their well-being nationwide.
The workshop ended with a group photograph and a renewed call for collective action to address child protection concerns, including the elimination of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, marking another important step toward safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone.