{"id":1858,"date":"2026-01-14T21:32:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parliament.gov.sl\/slefpac\/?page_id=1858"},"modified":"2026-01-14T23:11:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T23:11:13","slug":"sop","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/parliament.gov.sl\/slefpac\/sop\/","title":{"rendered":"SOP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus Standard Operating Procedures on<\/strong>
Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Child Rights Abuses (SOP)<\/strong><\/strong>
<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n


1. INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.1 Purpose of the SOP Manual<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.2 Scope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These SOPs apply to all members of the Female Parliamentary Caucus and guide actions undertaken through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Legislative functions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Parliamentary oversight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Advocacy and representation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Stakeholder engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Monitoring and accountability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    1.3 Legal and Policy Basis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This SOP Manual is grounded in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • The Constitution of Sierra Leone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Standing Orders of Parliament<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sexual Offences Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Child Rights legislation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Gender Equality and Women\u2019s Empowerment (GEWE) Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • International and regional frameworks (SDGs, CEDAW, CRC, AU instruments)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      All actions under this SOP shall be guided by the following principles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

        3. INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        3.1 Female Parliamentary Caucus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Provide collective leadership on SGBV and child rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Coordinate legislative and oversight actions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Engage male MPs and party leadership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          3.2 Caucus Executive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Convene meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Set priorities and legislative agenda<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Represent the Caucus in high-level engagements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            3.3 Caucus Members<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Participate in debates and committee work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Engage constituents and communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Support caucus positions in plenary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              3.4 Parliamentary Committees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Monitor implementation of laws<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Conduct hearings and inquiries<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Scrutinize MDAs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              4. SOP 1: IDENTIFICATION AND INTAKE OF SGBV & CHILD RIGHTS ISSUES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              To ensure timely identification and documentation of SGBV and child rights concerns requiring parliamentary action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                        Output<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Issue Brief Note<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          5. SOP 2: CAUCUS REVIEW AND STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          To determine the most appropriate parliamentary response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                                    Output<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • Caucus Resolution or Action Plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      6. SOP 3: LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND BILL PROCESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      To ensure effective development and passage of gender- and child-sensitive legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                                        Output<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        • Passed legislation or amended law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                          7. SOP 4: PLENARY ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          To build cross-party and gender-inclusive support for SGBV and child rights interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                                            8. SOP 5: OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            To monitor implementation of laws and policies on SGBV and child protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \n
                                            1. Request reports from MDAs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            2. Conduct committee hearings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            3. Question ministers and agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            4. Review budget allocations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            5. Issue recommendations and follow-up actions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                              Output<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \n
                                              • Oversight Reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • Parliamentary Recommendations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                9. SOP 6: ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY AND SURVIVORS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                To ensure survivor-centred and evidence-based parliamentary interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. Engage CSOs and service providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                2. Receive anonymised data and case trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                3. Identify systemic gaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                4. Integrate findings into parliamentary actions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  10. SOP 7: PUBLIC ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  To strengthen public awareness and prevention of SGBV and child abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. Participate in national awareness campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  2. Issue parliamentary statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  3. Conduct constituency sensitisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  4. Promote reporting and justice mechanisms<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                    11. SOP 8: MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    To track effectiveness of caucus interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                                                      12. CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Key strengths of the SOP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Clearly defined SOPs (1\u20138)<\/strong> with objectives, procedures, and outputs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • Fully aligned with:\n
                                                          \n
                                                        • SDG 5, 10, 16<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • CEDAW (Articles 2, 5, 12, 16)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • CRC (Best Interest of the Child principle)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • AU Maputo Protocol & African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Reflects real parliamentary tools<\/strong>: motions, bills, debates, oversight, committee hearings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Survivor-centred and confidentiality-compliant<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Strong on male MP engagement and cross-party lobbying<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                          Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus Standard Operating Procedures onAddressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Child Rights Abuses (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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1858","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"John Kamara","author_link":"https:\/\/parliament.gov.sl\/slefpac\/author\/john\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus Standard Operating Procedures onAddressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Child Rights Abuses (SOP) 1. 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