Freetown, Sierra Leone – As part of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, themed “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the International Women’s Day National Steering Committee, concluded a two-day High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Center, Youyi Building in Freetown.
The forum brought together over 120 participants who recommended consistent and intensive sensitization on gender laws, replication of best practices, alignment of skills, establishment of village savings loans, leveraging technology, financial empowerment, and engaging young girls.
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, highlighted the forum’s purpose to reflect on the journey since the Beijing Declaration, the progress made, and the challenges faced in achieving a more equitable society. She emphasized that gender is a crosscutting issue in the Medium-Term National Development Plan and that the Beijing Declaration has raised awareness in Sierra Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone has ratified and domesticated key international instruments, including the Sexual Offences Act, asserting that laws are the foundation of their efforts.
Dr. Mahoi noted that Sierra Leone has made progress in passing laws related to violence against women and girls, establishing the One Stop Center and Referral Pathways that provide survivors with legal and medical support. The number of women in Parliament has increased from 12% to 28%. However, she observed that gender inequality remains deeply entrenched and called for financial services and economic empowerment for women to facilitate their progress.
The Minister also revealed that they have received complaints of violence against women and girls. She highlighted that women account for 60-70% of the agricultural sector and therefore need support. The Ministry is committed to protecting the lives of the girl child, promoting gender equality, and improving access to quality education and healthcare.
Dr. Fredline McMcormack-Hale, President of the 50/50 Group, emphasized the need for stakeholders to take stock of achievements and take action. She acknowledged the progress made over the past 30 years, with more women in politics and decision-making processes and the enactment of gender laws, but noted that challenges persist. She called for investment in women’s capacity building and addressing economic inequalities and cultural and traditional barriers.
Mrs. Baindu Taylor, representative of UNWomen, highlighted that 189 countries endorsed the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago to eliminate violence against women and girls. She noted that while positive legal reforms have taken place in Sierra Leone, violence against women and girls remains pervasive. She underscored the need to accelerate progress in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Hon. Wuyatta Songo assured that Parliament is committed to enacting laws to protect women and girls. She informed that there are 24 female Members of Parliament in the current House of Parliament and appealed for capacity building for women and additional resources for Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to build the self-esteem of women. She pointed out that although the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE) is facilitating their work, it has loopholes.
Veteran educationist and diplomat, Haja Alarie Cole, chaired the event, while the Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Mr. Hindowa Bindi, introduced the Minister.
Highlights of the event included the official opening of the dialogue forum by Dr. Isata Mahoi, objectives of the High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum, and a thematic presentation on “Beijing+30: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward” by Mr. Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Research and Policy in the MGCA. Thematic panel discussions were held on various topics, including Women and Politics, Women and the Economy, Education and Training, Women in Power and Decision-Making, Human Rights of Women, Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women, Women and Health, Violence Against Women, the Girl Child, Women and Armed Conflict, Women in the Media, and Women and the Environment.
Dr. Mahoi also unveiled the logo of the Green Bank for Women, explaining that the local savings initiative known as “Osusu” is geared towards empowering grassroots women. She reiterated that the two-day forum would not go in vain and that the government is committed to protecting and improving the lives of women and girls. She urged all stakeholders to take the opportunity to navigate with it and commended the Ministry staff for their exemplary performance and dedication to duty.