SOP

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the SOP Manual

This Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual provides a structured, consistent and rights-based framework to guide the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus (FPC) in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child rights abuses through parliamentary mechanisms.

1.2 Scope

These SOPs apply to all members of the Female Parliamentary Caucus and guide actions undertaken through:

• Legislative functions
• Parliamentary oversight
• Advocacy and representation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Monitoring and accountability

1.3 Legal and Policy Basis

This SOP Manual is grounded in:

• The Constitution of Sierra Leone
• Standing Orders of Parliament
• Sexual Offences Act
• Child Rights legislation
• Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act
• International and regional frameworks (SDGs, CEDAW, CRC, AU instruments)

2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

All actions under this SOP shall be guided by the following principles:

• Zero tolerance for SGBV and child abuse
• Best interests of the child
• Survivor-centred and rights-based approach
• Non-discrimination and inclusion (including persons with disabilities)
• Cross-party collaboration
• Accountability and transparency

3. INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Female Parliamentary Caucus

• Provide collective leadership on SGBV and child rights
• Coordinate legislative and oversight actions
• Engage male MPs and party leadership

3.2 Caucus Executive

• Convene meetings
• Set priorities and legislative agenda
• Represent the Caucus in high-level engagements

3.3 Caucus Members

• Participate in debates and committee work
• Engage constituents and communities
• Support caucus positions in plenary

3.4 Parliamentary Committees

Monitor implementation of laws

Conduct hearings and inquiries

Scrutinize MDAs

4. SOP 1: IDENTIFICATION AND INTAKE OF SGBV & CHILD RIGHTS ISSUES

Objective

To ensure timely identification and documentation of SGBV and child rights concerns requiring parliamentary action.

Procedure

1. Receive reports from:
   1. Constituents
   1. Civil society organisations
   1. Government MDAs
   1. UN and development partners
2. Record issue details (without compromising survivor confidentiality)
3. Request preliminary verification from relevant institutions
4. Submit issue brief to Caucus Executive

Output

• Issue Brief Note

5. SOP 2: CAUCUS REVIEW AND STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING

Objective

To determine the most appropriate parliamentary response.

Procedure

1. Convene caucus meeting
2. Review issue brief and supporting evidence
3. Assess alignment with SDGs, CEDAW, CRC and AU frameworks
4. Decide on action:
   1. Bill or amendment
   1. Motion or resolution
   1. Oversight inquiry
   1. Advocacy statement

Output

• Caucus Resolution or Action Plan

6. SOP 3: LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND BILL PROCESS

Objective

To ensure effective development and passage of gender- and child-sensitive legislation.

Procedure

1. Draft or review legislative proposal
2. Consult legal drafters and stakeholders
3. Conduct pre-plenary lobbying (including male MPs)
4. Coordinate caucus contributions during debate
5. Support voting and passage

Output

• Passed legislation or amended law

7. SOP 4: PLENARY ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING

Objective

To build cross-party and gender-inclusive support for SGBV and child rights interventions.

Procedure

1. Identify key MPs and party leaders
2. Hold advocacy meetings
3. Frame issues as national, constitutional and treaty obligations
4. Address concerns and negotiate amendments
5. Secure voting commitments

8. SOP 5: OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Objective

To monitor implementation of laws and policies on SGBV and child protection.

Procedure

1. Request reports from MDAs
2. Conduct committee hearings
3. Question ministers and agencies
4. Review budget allocations
5. Issue recommendations and follow-up actions

Output

• Oversight Reports
• Parliamentary Recommendations

9. SOP 6: ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY AND SURVIVORS

Objective

To ensure survivor-centred and evidence-based parliamentary interventions.

Procedure

1. Engage CSOs and service providers
2. Receive anonymised data and case trends
3. Identify systemic gaps
4. Integrate findings into parliamentary actions

10. SOP 7: PUBLIC ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Objective

To strengthen public awareness and prevention of SGBV and child abuse.

Procedure

1. Participate in national awareness campaigns
2. Issue parliamentary statements
3. Conduct constituency sensitisation
4. Promote reporting and justice mechanisms

11. SOP 8: MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Objective

To track effectiveness of caucus interventions.

Procedure

1. Maintain records of actions and outcomes
2. Track alignment with SDG, CEDAW, CRC and AU indicators
3. Prepare annual caucus reports
4. Use findings to refine strategies

12. CONCLUSION

This SOP Manual institutionalizes the role of the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus as a key parliamentary mechanism for preventing and responding to SGBV and child rights abuses, ensuring consistency, accountability and alignment with national, regional and international obligations.

Key strengths of the SOP

• Clearly defined SOPs (1–8) with objectives, procedures, and outputs
• Fully aligned with:
  • SDG 5, 10, 16
  • CEDAW (Articles 2, 5, 12, 16)
  • CRC (Best Interest of the Child principle)
  • AU Maputo Protocol & African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
• Reflects real parliamentary tools: motions, bills, debates, oversight, committee hearings
• Survivor-centred and confidentiality-compliant
• Strong on male MP engagement and cross-party lobbying