MoGCA One Stop Centre in Koinadugu Draws Praise for GBV Response Efforts

Koinadugu: The One Stop Centre, run by the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) alongside the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Steering Committee in Koinadugu District, welcomed a delegation on Tuesday. The group included representatives from the United Nations and key government officials. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the UN team was led by the Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone, while the government side featured MoGCA's Chief Director, the Resident Minister for the North, and officials from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. The visit aimed to assess how effectively the Centre delivers critical services to GBV survivors. Offering integrated support such as medical care, psychosocial help, legal aid, and economic empowerment, the Centre has become a vital lifeline in the district. During the meeting, the GBV Steering Committee noted key achievements despite operational challenges. They also acknowledged ongoing technical and financial backing from development partners over the years. A separate session with survivors provided firsthand insight into the Centre's impact, where women shared their recovery and reintegration stories, highlighting economic empowerment programs supported by UN Women, UNFPA, and other stakeholders. Speaking for the Ministry, Chief Director Charles Vandi highlighted MoGCA's progress in strengthening GBV prevention and response nationwide. He thanked the GBV Steering Committee and specifically Médicos del Mundo for their role in helping build the One Stop Centre and a Safe Home for survivors. The visiting delegation commended strong coordination and collaboration among district stakeholders, stressing that tackling GBV requires a multisectoral approach and reaffirming their commitment to both prevention and response efforts. The visit ended on a positive note, with stakeholders optimistic about sustaining and expanding GBV response services across Sierra Leone.