UN Women Regional Director Commits to Strengthening Gender Reforms in Sierra Leone.

UN Women's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato, has pledged continued support for Sierra Leone's gender equality agenda during a high-level courtesy call on President Julius Maada Bio at State Lodge.

Dr. Houinato arrived in Freetown for a six-day working visit focused on deepening collaboration and accelerating women's empowerment initiatives. Deputy Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, welcomed the delegation, noting the visit underscores international recognition of President Bio's leadership in advancing gender reforms.

Dr. Houinato commended Sierra Leone's landmark achievements, specifically the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Gender Accountability Framework. He described these legislative milestones as transformative, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional model for West and Central Africa.

"The political will demonstrated here holds significant relevance for neighboring countries seeking similar reforms," Dr. Houinato remarked.

President Bio expressed gratitude for UN Women's technical partnership, outlining concrete progress under his administration's Human Capital Development agenda. Key achievements include improved girls' education outcomes, successful reintegration of pregnant girls into schools, and expanded university support for women pursuing STEM disciplines.

The President assured UN Women of his government's determination to fully implement the GEWE Act and integrate gender priorities into Sierra Leone's ongoing constitutional review process.

This engagement forms part of broader efforts to consolidate gender equality gains and strengthen institutional frameworks driving inclusive national development.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

Communications Unit

Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com