By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The I Am SIA Foundation officially launched on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in a poignant ceremony at the Freetown Golf Club. The event drew a diverse audience, including activists, government officials, artistes, and survivors, all united by a common mission to end gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
The evening served as both the foundation’s public debut and a successful fundraising effort for the upcoming SIA App, an innovative digital tool aiming to offer survivors discreet access to emergency assistance, legal guidance, and safe community support, addressing a critical gap in resources for those affected by domestic violence.
In her opening remarks, Joydie Kamara, the founder and CEO of the I Am SIA Foundation, passionately asserted, “Silence protects the oppressor, but collective action protects survivors.”
Kamara underscored the urgent need for survivor-centered spaces, tools, and policies that foster justice and healing. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, setting a tone of solidarity and empowerment for the evening.
The event featured powerful speeches from various supporters, including prominent representatives from the government, civil society organizations, and the creative sector.
Each speaker emphasized the necessity of addressing gender-based violence and highlighted the foundation’s mission to create systemic change. Family members of survivors shared harrowing but inspiring stories, reinforcing the critical need for the foundation’s work.
The atmosphere was further charged with emotional performances and monologues that echoed the foundation’s core message: “Break the Silence. Build the Future.” The artistic contributions highlighted the struggles faced by survivors and the collective responsibility of society to confront and combat gender-based violence.
During the evening, attendees made significant pledges to support the development of the SIA App and the foundation’s broader initiatives. The outpouring of commitment reflects a growing awareness and determination to address the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone.
The I Am SIA Foundation was established in memory of Sia, a young woman who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. The foundation’s mission is multifaceted, focusing on supporting survivors, advocating for legal reforms, and raising awareness through community engagement and digital tools like the SIA App. Its guiding principle is clear: no one should have to suffer in silence.
As the I Am SIA Foundation embarks on its journey, it aims to create a transformative impact, uniting individuals and communities in the fight against GBV, and fostering a society where every survivor can find support, justice, and hope.
Further details regarding the app’s development and the fulfillment of pledges will be shared in the coming weeks, as the foundation rallies support for this important cause.
