The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, in collaboration with its development partners, held a high-level policy dialogue at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by women under the Beijing+30 framework and explored strategic pathways to address gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.
The event brought together key officials, including Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs Dr. Isata Mahoi, Deputy Minister Hon. Buakai Hindowa Bindi, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender Adviser at the Office of the President Madam I.J. Kabba, President of the 50/50 Group Dr. Fredline McCormack-Hael, Team Leader of Invest Salone Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie, Chairperson of the Female Caucus in Parliament Hon. Wuyata Songa, and other notable stakeholders.
Chairing the event, Sierra Leonean diplomat Madam Hilary A. Cole emphasised the significance of International Women’s Day and the need for continuous advocacy. “Women are the backbone of every society. They must be valued and given the necessary support to thrive,” she said, calling for robust policies to address gender-related issues.
Deputy Minister Hon. Buakai Hindowa Bindi welcomed participants and recognised the support of development partners in advancing the ministry’s vision. Assistant Director Bamie J. Sesay outlined the objectives of the dialogue, highlighting key policy areas, including gender equality, breaking barriers, and strengthening partnerships for women’s empowerment.
Dr. Fredline McCormack-Hael of the 50/50 Group commended the Ministry for leading the discussions. She stressed the importance of policies such as the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Child Marriage Act and urged stakeholders to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s progress.
UN Women Program Specialist Baindu Massaquoi reflected on the organisation's ongoing efforts, stating, “Violence against women remains pervasive. To change the narrative, we must ensure access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.”
Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie of Invest Salone underscored the need for financial inclusion, highlighting his organisation’s role in mobilising capital to empower women economically.
Gender Adviser at the Office of the President, Madam I.J. Kabba, emphasised the government's progress in promoting gender equality through Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5). She called for increased women’s participation in decision-making, noting that economic disparities remain a significant challenge.
Hon. Wuyata Songa, President of the Female Caucus in Parliament, urged budgetary allocations to support women’s economic activities and reintegration programs for marginalised women, including those in correctional facilities and orphanages.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality. She highlighted key policies such as the GEWE Act and the Sexual Offences Act, stressing that women must be actively involved in leadership roles. “We expect women to step into the spotlight and take charge,” she declared.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, during which stakeholders engaged participants in discussions of the socio-economic empowerment of women and strategies to create a more inclusive society.
As Sierra Leone prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day, the discussions at the high-level dialogue have set the stage for concrete actions to promote gender equality and women’s rights across the country.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
Email: mkelson367@gmail.com
Phone: +23278104964
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