Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in COollaboration with Partners gear up at the House of Parliament to Grace World Children's Day.

Commemorating World Child Day, the the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) and partners including UNICEF, marked a significant step in child participation. It created a unique platform for children from across the nation to engage in frank discussions with parliamentarians on the issues that affect their lives.

The gathering was graced by high-level delegations, including UNICEF Country Director Rudolf Schwenk, MoGCA Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, and key parliamentarians such as Hon. Abdul Murray Conteh, Hon. Mariama Zombo, and Hon. Alpha Foday Madi Jabbie, alongside members of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN).

In his opening remarks, Legislative Chairman Hon. Abdul Murray Conteh expressed his overwhelming joy at the large turnout of children. He commended MoGCA and its partners for the initiative and assured the children of Parliament’s commitment to enacting laws that safeguard their rights and protect them from harm.

Speaking on behalf of the absent Minister, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh praised the children of Sierra Leone for their resilience and vibrant spirit. She emphasized the day's importance in reviewing existing legal frameworks designed to protect children. "The welfare, support, and massive development of children, backed by strong legal frameworks, is invaluable," she stated. Ms. Sannoh detailed the Ministry's ongoing efforts, including the 116 free toll line for gender-based violence, the establishment of one-stop centers nationwide, and robust laws to combat child exploitation, neglect, abuse, and early marriage.

UNICEF Country Director Rudolf Schwenk powerfully underscored the day's theme, insisting that every child's rights must be protected without discrimination. "The children are not here to be seen, but to be heard," he stressed, issuing a call to action for improved access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and social opportunities. He reaffirmed UNICEF's unwavering commitment to strengthening systems that uphold the dignity of every child.

Adding a crucial perspective from the front lines, child representative Waray S. Bangura from Kambia District highlighted the challenges many children face, particularly in rural areas. She pointed to issues of child poverty, inadequate learning materials, and the lack of inclusion for children with disabilities as prevailing concerns that need immediate attention.

During a climactic question-and-answer session, parliamentarians responded directly to the children's inquiries. Hon. Mariama Zombo reaffirmed Parliament's support for laws that prohibit corporal punishment in schools and highlighted recently passed legislation, including the prohibition of child marriage and the Child Rights Act. She emphasized the government's focus on human capital development, particularly in health.

Echoing this commitment, Hon. Alpha Foday Madi Jabbie pledged that Parliament would continue to prioritize children's issues in future coordination meetings.

The event concluded on a hopeful note, with children, officials, and parliamentarians posing for a commemorative photograph, symbolizing a shared national pledge to build a future where every child’s right is not just a slogan, but a reality.

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA communications Unit

mkelson367@gmail.com