VP Sam-Sumana flanked by his wife and Presidential Gender Adviser
Vice President Samuel Sam-Sumana on Saturday led a long walk against rape in Sierra Leone organised by Rainbow Centre with the theme STOP RAPE NOW.
The walk aimed at raising funds for rape victims across the country.
Also participating in the walk were cabinet ministers and other senior government officials including defence minister Paolo Conteh, Inspector General of Police Francis Munu, Mayor of Freetown Bode Gibson and the Gender Advisor to the President Naasu Fofana.
First Lady, Sia Nyama Koroma welcomed the marchers.
Rainbow centres are sexual assault referral centres operating from government hospital premises in Freetown, Kenema and Kono.
They have been in operation since 2003 and support women, girls and other vulnerable groups in communities which suffer from incidents of sexual assault.
They offer free services including medical examination and treatment for illnesses and injuries caused by the assault. They also offer counseling to help cope with the emotional and psychological effects of rape and help in reporting the incidents to the police and provide information on the legal systems.
So far the Centre has catered for 1,898 women who have suffered from rape or other sexual assault cases.
(C) Politico 03/06/14
