Minister Dr. Mahoi Details Sierra Leone’s Child Participation Model at First African Children’s Forum.

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, on November 21, 2025 joined African leaders and young parliamentarians at the first African Forum of Children’s Parliament in Morocco, an event organized by the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) to mark its 30th anniversary and held under the distinguished patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.

Dr. Mahoi brought greetings from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and commended Morocco for its long-standing dedication to child rights.

During her address, Dr. Mahoi highlighted Sierra Leone's significant progress in making child participation a central part of governance. She pointed to the recent Child Rights Act 2025 as a key step in strengthening legal protections for children. A major force behind this progress is the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), the country’s leading child-led body.

The Minister explained how the CFN has directly influenced national policy. The network has helped shape important frameworks like the Child Rights Act, the National Strategy for Reducing Teenage Pregnancy, and policies on Radical Inclusion and Alternative Care. As a result, children's perspectives now directly inform government decisions on education, digital safety, disability inclusion, and child justice.

The CFN’s work extends to leading public campaigns on urgent issues. In partnership with the ministry, its members tackle gender-based violence, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, while also promoting sexual health. Dr. Mahoi stated that children have become powerful advocates for protecting their peers.

The network is also addressing modern challenges. With climate change posing serious risks, the CFN leads environmental campaigns and clean energy education, ensuring young voices are part of national climate plans. Similarly, they are driving conversations on digital safety and literacy, which is vital as Africa moves further into the digital age.

Dr. Mahoi stressed that the forum represents a shared African vision. “Children are not merely beneficiaries of development they are co-creators of solutions and essential partners in progress,” she said. She concluded that by empowering children, listening to their voices, and supporting their leadership, we ultimately strengthen governance, improve policies, and secure a better future for all. She called for stronger continental collaboration to protect children and amplify their voices.

Correspondent- Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com