Susan’s Bay, Freetown – The Men’s Association for Gender Equality Sierra Leone (MAGE-SL) has officially launched its Man Kia Skul project in Susan’s Bay through a Community Entrance Meeting held under the Freetown City Council (FCC) Care Block Initiative. The launch marks the beginning of a transformative community-based programme aimed at engaging men and boys as partners in promoting gender equality, preventing violence, and strengthening family well-being.
The Community Entrance Meeting brought together local authorities, traditional leaders, women, young people, representatives of partner organisations, community volunteers, and residents to introduce the objectives of the project and encourage broad community participation from the outset.
The Man Kia Skul project is designed to provide a safe learning and reflection space where men can challenge harmful gender norms, develop positive attitudes and behaviours, and become advocates for peaceful homes and inclusive communities. Through structured learning sessions and community engagement, participants will explore topics such as positive masculinity, responsible fatherhood, shared caregiving, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, gender equality, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
Addressing participants during the meeting, MAGE-SL representatives emphasized that sustainable social transformation can only be achieved when communities take ownership of development initiatives. They noted that engaging men and boys is essential to reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening family relationships, and fostering mutual respect and shared responsibility within households.
The meeting provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions, share their expectations, and discuss how the project can contribute to addressing social challenges within Susan’s Bay. Participants welcomed the initiative and pledged their support, expressing optimism that the project would strengthen family cohesion, promote peaceful coexistence, and encourage men to become positive role models within their communities.
MAGE-SL reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside community members and local stakeholders throughout the implementation of the project, ensuring that activities respond to local needs while promoting human rights and gender justice.
The organisation expressed its appreciation to the Freetown City Council, WoLEAD, community leaders, volunteers, and all stakeholders whose collaboration made the successful launch possible. Their continued partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to building safer communities where women, men, girls, and boys can enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and dignity.
The launch of the Man Kia Skul project represents another significant step in MAGE-SL’s ongoing efforts to engage men and boys as agents of positive change and to advance gender equality and peaceful communities across Sierra Leone.
