Freetown, 20th May 2026-Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, today encouraged UN agencies implementing the European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0 to “over-deliver” in order to achieve maximum impact in ending all forms of violence against women and girls, and to effectively communicate results to inspire even greater progress.
The Chief Minister delivered this message in his capacity as Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee (NSC), which he convened alongside the UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, at the Atlantic Hall in Freetown. The meeting focused on reviewing and endorsing governance documents, the 2026 Spotlight Initiative results framework and work plans, as well as assessing progress and agreeing on next steps.
His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, emphasizing that meaningful impact is achieved when partners work together toward shared goals.
In her remarks, the Resident Coordinator highlighted that the Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone represents a truly joint endeavour, a whole-of-government and whole-of-society partnership involving the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union, and the United Nations system.
She stated, “We already see a strong collaborative spirit in action. UN agencies, civil society organizations, and government institutions are working together toward our shared objective of ending all forms of violence against women and girls under the Spotlight Initiative.”
She further noted the Government’s strong commitment to institutionalizing these efforts by aligning the Spotlight governance structure with existing national coordination platforms, including the National Action Plan Committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the Gender Development Reference Group.
“This alignment is essential for sustainability and impact, as it leverages existing expertise, resources, and partnerships across sectors to combat gender-based violence more effectively,” she added.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, H.E. Jacek Jankowski, welcomed the establishment of the NSC as the apex governance body responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, accountability, and ensuring sustainability of the Spotlight Initiative, in line with its Terms of Reference. These emphasize high-level strategic governance, financial stewardship, risk management, and alignment with national priorities.
He reaffirmed the EU’s belief that a nation’s progress is measured not only by its laws but also by the safety and dignity it guarantees to every woman and girl, noting that “Our work here today strengthens that promise.”
Ambassador Jankowski also reiterated the EU’s strong commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. He emphasized that the Spotlight Initiative remains one of the EU’s flagship global partnerships, with Sierra Leone continuing to be a priority country for demonstrating impact, innovation, and sustainability. He further encouraged continued focus on strategic direction, financial stewardship, risk management, and the meaningful participation of civil society, particularly women’s rights organizations as the initiative progresses.
The NSC’s TOR, the Initiative’s Results Framework and costed work plan were all endorsed after deliberations that included Heads of Agency from the implementing agencies, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Acting Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and civil society representation
This four-year programme, implemented by UNFPA, UN Women, UNDP, and UNICEF, commenced in 2025 with a total budget of USD 12.47 million, including more than USD 11.3 million from the EU and USD 1.14 million in contributions from UN agencies.
Implemented nationally and locally with most interventions in Falaba, Moyamba and Kailahun, the Programme strengthens legal and institutional frameworks, prevents GBV by shifting social norms, reinforces survivor-centred responses, and amplifies advocacy by civil society and women’s movements
