Center for Gender and Social Justice

29/05/2026

Today, the Centre for Gender and Social Justice proudly hosted a 100% self-sponsored Youth Leadership and Engagement Symposium, bringing together students from 11 schools across Freetown under the theme: “Raising Responsible Boys and Empowered Girls for Safer Communities and Stronger Futures.”

Many people may ask why an organisation known for advocating for women and girls would intentionally focus on boys.

The answer is simple.

For years, we have championed the rights of women and girls, raised awareness about gender-based violence, and supported survivors. Yet the statistics continue to rise. At some point, we must be courageous enough to ask the difficult question: Who are the perpetrators?

The uncomfortable reality is that many are men and boys.

If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, then we must begin where it all starts. We must engage boys early. We must teach respect, empathy, accountability, emotional intelligence, and positive masculinity before harmful attitudes become harmful actions.

Because when a boy is damaged, he often grows into a damaged man. And when men are damaged, families suffer, communities suffer, institutions suffer, and ultimately the nation suffers.

Today was not just another event. It was an investment in prevention. An investment in the future. An investment in raising boys who will become respectful partners, responsible fathers, ethical leaders, and productive citizens.

This programme was intentionally self-sponsored because we believe some work is too important to wait for funding. When the future of our children is at stake, action cannot be postponed.

The future we want for women and girls begins with the boys we raise today.


Girls PlusElizabeth Brewah SesayIreland Embassy in Sierra LeoneAmerican embassy in Sierra LeoneEuropean Union in Sierra LeoneWest Africa Youth and Children's Advocacy Network - Sierra LeoneUNDP in Sierra LeoneFirst Lady Fatima Maada BioHis Excellency Julius Maada BioJanisa Jalil Momodu

29/05/2026

We cannot continue to say we want safer communities while ignoring the upbringing of boys.
We cannot continue to cry over violence against women and girls while refusing to teach boys about respect, consent, responsibility, discipline, and emotional maturity.
We cannot continue to blame young people without creating spaces like this to listen to them, guide them, and invest in them.
That is why today is important to us at the Center for Gender and Social Justice.

29/05/2026

We cannot continue to say we want safer communities while ignoring the upbringing of boys.
We cannot continue to cry over violence against women and girls while refusing to teach boys about respect, consent, responsibility, discipline, and emotional maturity.
We cannot continue to blame young people without creating spaces like this to listen to them, guide them, and invest in them.
That is why today is important to us at the Center for Gender and Social Justice

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

🚨 TOMORROW 🚨

The Center for Gender and Social Justice (CGSJ) proudly presents the: YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM

Theme:
“Raising Responsible Boys and Empowered Girls for Safer Communities and Stronger Futures.”

📍 Venue: Africell American Corner, Bathurst Street, Freetown
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

As a society, we cannot continue to discuss violence against women and girls without also addressing how we raise our boys, how we empower our girls, and how we shape the minds of young people from an early age.

This symposium is designed to create honest conversations around positive masculinity, leadership, accountability, peer pressure, social media influence, respect, and the responsibility young people have in building safer schools and communities.

At a time when violence, bullying, harmful gender stereotypes, and negative social influences continue to affect our communities, CGSJ believes prevention must begin with education, mentorship, and intentional youth engagement.

Through powerful discussions, interactive engagement sessions, and action planning, this program seeks to inspire pupils to become ambassadors of peace, equality, discipline, and positive social change.

We are proud to announce that 11 schools across Freetown will be represented at this important youth engagement symposium.

Please note that confirmation of attendance and registration for participating schools has officially closed. This announcement is therefore intended to inform the public and encourage broader community support for youth-focused conversations on leadership, respect, accountability, and violence prevention.

Topics include:
🔹 Positive Masculinity: Raising Boys with Respect, Responsibility, and Purpose
🔹 Empowering Girls to Lead with Confidence, Courage, and Self-Worth
🔹 Ending Violence Through Early Education, Respect, and Accountability
🔹 Social Media, Peer Pressure, and the Responsibility of Young Leaders

Together, we can raise a generation that values respect, dignity, accountability, and leadership.

11/05/2026

We are pleased to share that the Center for Gender and Social Justice is participating in the AfCFTA Capacity Building Training on the Dispute Settlement Mechanism in Sierra Leone from 11th–13th May 2026.

For us, conversations around trade, dispute resolution, and regional integration are not separate from the lives of women. They are deeply connected. When women are excluded from trade systems, denied access to legal information, or left out of decision-making spaces, the promise of economic growth does not reach them in any meaningful way.

The AfCFTA framework creates opportunities not only for trade across Africa, but also for stronger legal and institutional systems that can protect rights, resolve disputes fairly, and promote inclusion. For women entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and women professionals, this matters greatly. A fair and accessible dispute settlement system is essential if women are to participate fully and confidently in cross-border trade and economic life.

At our organisation, we believe that women’s empowerment must include access to justice, legal literacy, economic participation, and a voice in the spaces where policy and systems are shaped. This is why our participation in this training is significant. It is an opportunity to deepen our understanding, strengthen our contribution, and continue advocating for systems that work for everyone, especially women who are too often left at the margins.

We look forward to engaging, learning, and contributing to this important regional conversation.

28/04/2026

We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Janisa Jalil Momodu Esq., was honoured with two awards from two different organizations in one
evening in recognition of both professional excellence and humanitarian service.

At the African Ovation Awards, she received the Professional Excellence Award, and at the Good Deeds Day Sierra Leone Awards, she was recognised for Humanitarian Support to Women and Girls.

These recognitions are not only a celebration of individual achievement, but also a reflection of the work being carried out through the Centre for Gender and Social Justice in advancing access to justice, legal empowerment, and advocacy for women and girls in Sierra Leone.

At CGSJ, our work is rooted in the realities many women and girls face every day. From addressing gender-based violence to promoting fairer access to justice and stronger support systems, our commitment remains the same: to stand for dignity, protection, and equal opportunity.

These awards are a reminder that this work matters, and that sustained advocacy continues to make an impact.

We dedicate this recognition to every woman and girl facing barriers to justice, and to our team, partners, and supporters who continue to stand with us in this mission.

The work continues.

07/04/2026

We are honoured that our Executive Director Janisa Jalil Momodu is featured by Afisa Magazine in a piece reflecting on my journey in law, gender justice, and advocacy in Sierra Leone.

This feature speaks not only to her work as a legal practitioner and advocate, but also to the lived experiences that shaped her commitment to justice, access, and dignity for women and girls.

Through her work with the Center for Gender and Social Justice, she continue to push for a system where the law is not distant or intimidating, but accessible, responsive, and truly protective of those who need it most.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share this story, and even more committed to the work ahead.

🔗 Read the full feature:
https://www.nafisamagazine.com/2026/04/07/gender-justice-and-the-law-janisa-momodu-of-sierra-leone/