ETU Students’ Union Takes Lead in Combating SGBV on Campus

The Students’ Union Government of the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU) has taken a leading role in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) on campus, with the organisation of a high-level awareness seminar aimed at promoting safety, accountability, and behavioural change within the university community.

The seminar, organised through the Students’ Union Ministry of Peace and Resolution and the Ministry of Gender Affairs, in collaboration with BRAVE Peer Educators, brought together students, university administrators, and advocacy organisations under the theme “Seminar on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.”

Speaking at the event, Students’ Union President, Mariame Baimba Keita, described SGBV as a critical issue that continues to affect lives, silence victims, and undermine progress in educational institutions. She emphasised the need for a shift in attitudes, calling on students to help change the narrative by raising awareness, fostering mutual respect, and creating safe spaces for all members of the university community, regardless of gender.

Keita noted that the Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that ETU remains a safe learning environment, stressing that combating SGBV requires collective responsibility from students, administrators, and partners.

The initiative received strong backing from the university administration. Mr. Mohamed Babay, speaking on behalf of the administration, commended the Students’ Union for its proactive leadership and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to protecting students. He encouraged victims and witnesses to report cases of gender-based violence, assuring them of institutional support and confidentiality.

Also addressing the seminar, Francis Mustapha Senghe, Regional Coordinator East of the Independent Commission, praised the collaboration between the Students’ Union, the university, and partner organisations. He stressed that peace cannot be sustained in any community where sexual and gender-based violence is tolerated, describing the fight against SGBV as both a moral and social obligation.

Senghe further highlighted the link between peacebuilding and gender justice, noting that silence, fear, and stigma surrounding SGBV remain major obstacles to peace and development. He urged students and young people to become advocates for change by speaking out against violence and challenging harmful social norms.

Delivering the keynote address, Binta Jalloh underscored the shared responsibility of women and men in building a safe and just society. She encouraged students to harness education as a powerful tool for empowerment and advocacy in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

The seminar featured public lectures, a call for drama performances focused on SGBV awareness, and the presentation of certificates to participants, marking a significant step in strengthening student-led advocacy against gender-based violence at Eastern Technical University.