09/08/2026
🌍International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
On this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and resilience of indigenous and local communities whose values continue to shape peaceful and inclusive societies.
In Sierra Leone, traditional and religious leaders are respected custodians of culture and influential voices within their communities. Their leadership is essential in preserving positive cultural values while challenging harmful practices that undermine the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
At MAGE, we work every day with traditional and religious leaders, men, women, boys, and young people to promote positive masculinity, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Through dialogue, capacity building, and community engagement, we support leaders to become champions for human rights, family wellbeing, and inclusive development.
We believe that culture is strongest when it protects the dignity of every person. By working hand in hand with community leaders, we are helping to transform harmful social norms while preserving the values of respect, unity, justice, and peace that strengthen our communities.
Today, we honour the wisdom of indigenous communities and reaffirm our commitment to building a Sierra Leone where cultural heritage and human rights go hand in hand, ensuring that every woman, man, girl, and boy can live free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion.
Together, let's celebrate culture, embrace equality, and build stronger communities for generations to come.
