At the core of FOCUS 1000's remarkable success story lies the formidable strength of the Kombra Network, a diverse and expansive coalition of influential voices representing various segments of Sierra Leonean society. This intricate network comprises religious leaders, market women, traditional healers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and dynamic youth groups. The richness of this network lies not only in its diversity but also in its extensive reach, extending its influence across every region, district, chiefdom, section, and town in Sierra Leone.
Social norms in Sierra Leone encourage fathers to distance themselves from child caring and relegate themselves to discipline and being the breadwinner. “A man who accompanies his wife to the health facility or is seen standing in line to have his child vaccinated is seen as a weakling – decribed as ‘nar wef’. Hence the Kombra Network is actively promoting Male Involvement under the slogan “Ooman Kombra, Man Kombra – we all nar Kombra’