The Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone, led by the European Union in partnership with the government and civil society, seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Through inclusive, multi-year interventions, the initiative empowers survivors, strengthens women’s rights movements, and embeds civil society leadership in decision-making via the Civil Society National Reference Group (CSNRG) from 2025 to 2029. Eligible organisations can join to help guide, monitor, and implement innovative, sustainable measures that transform gender and power dynamics nationwide.

Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone: Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls

Overview

The Spotlight Initiative, a global EU-led program, aims to eliminate VAWG by implementing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable strategies. In Sierra Leone, it partners with the government, civil society, and women’s movements to build comprehensive prevention and response frameworks. The program addresses violence in both private and public spheres and prioritises the empowerment of women and girls.

Key Objectives

End all forms of violence against women and girls
Strengthen women’s rights movements and civil society networks
Empower survivors and support gender-transformative interventions
Introduce sustainable prevention and response frameworks
Promote inclusivity, particularly for marginalised groups such as rural women, women with disabilities, and women living with HIV/AIDS

Civil Society National Reference Group (CSNRG)

Purpose and Role

Advisory input at all stages: design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation
Advocate within civil society networks, communities, and government structures
Ensure transparency and accountability in resource use
Align interventions with the needs and priorities of women and girls

Timeline

CSNRG establishment: mid-December 2025
Operational duration: 2025–2029

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organisations must:

Be legally registered in Sierra Leone
Demonstrate at least three years of experience in ending VAWG, harmful practices, or advancing sexual and reproductive health rights
Show expertise in gender equality, coordination with stakeholders, and tangible impact
Operate sustainably and employ inclusive leadership systems
Collaborate effectively with community-based and religious institutions

Why It Matters

VAWG remains a critical human rights challenge in Sierra Leone
Engaging civil society ensures programs are grounded in community realities
Women-led organisations contribute innovative strategies and localised solutions
Transparency and accountability mechanisms promote trust and long-term effectiveness

How to Apply

Confirm eligibility – Ensure your organisation meets legal registration and experience criteria.
Prepare supporting documents – Evidence of past impact, gender equality expertise, stakeholder coordination, and sustainable operations.
Demonstrate inclusive leadership – Highlight leadership structure, collaboration history, and innovation in program delivery.
Submit application – Follow the official submission process for CSNRG membership before the deadline.
Engage actively – If selected, participate in advisory meetings, program design, monitoring, and advocacy activities.

Common Tips

Emphasise measurable outcomes and proven experience in VAWG initiatives
Highlight partnerships with community and religious institutions for broader impact
Showcase innovative approaches to tackling systemic barriers and cultural norms
Ensure your organisation demonstrates operational sustainability and governance standards
Provide clear evidence of accountability and resource management

FAQ

1. What is the Spotlight Initiative?
A global EU program aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls through inclusive, sustainable interventions.

2. What is the CSNRG?
The Civil Society National Reference Group advises, monitors, and ensures accountability for the Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone.

3. Who can apply to join the CSNRG?
Legally registered organisations in Sierra Leone with at least three years of experience in VAWG, harmful practices, or sexual and reproductive health rights.

4. What is the duration of the CSNRG membership?
The CSNRG operates from mid-December 2025 until the programme’s completion in 2029.

5. Why is civil society participation important?
It ensures programs are responsive to community needs, strengthens movements, and empowers women-led initiatives.

6. What types of organisations are prioritised?
Organisations demonstrating inclusive leadership, innovative strategies, collaboration with local and religious institutions, and sustainable operations.

7. How does the initiative support survivors of VAWG?
Through empowerment programs, policy influence, community awareness, and strengthening networks for protection and services.

Conclusion

The Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone offers civil society organisations a strategic platform to influence, guide, and monitor efforts to eliminate VAWG. By joining the CSNRG, capable organisations can drive meaningful, sustainable change, strengthen women’s movements, and contribute to a safer, more equitable society.