Gender Ministry & Partners Conclude High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women’s Empowerment
As part of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration under the theme “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, Freetown.
At the close of the forum, over 120 participants recommended intensive sensitization on gender laws, replication of best practices, alignment of skills, establishment of village savings loans, leveraging of technology, financial empowerment, and engagement of young girls.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, highlighted that the forum provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made since the Beijing Declaration, assess challenges, and accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment efforts. She emphasized that gender is a cross-cutting issue in the Medium-Term National Development Plan and that Sierra Leone has ratified and domesticated key international agreements, including the Sexual Offences Act, which forms the foundation of legal protections for women and girls.
Dr. Mahoi further noted that Sierra Leone has made strides in legislation against violence towards women and girls, the establishment of One-Stop Centers, and the creation of Referral Pathways that provide survivors with legal and medical support. She applauded the increase in female representation in Parliament from 12% to 28% but acknowledged that gender inequality remains deeply entrenched. She called for greater financial empowerment for women, particularly in economic sectors where they struggle to advance.
The minister also disclosed that her office continues to receive numerous reports of violence against women and girls and highlighted that women account for 60 –70% of the agricultural workforce, underscoring the need for greater investment in their empowerment. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting girls, promoting gender equality, and improving access to quality education and healthcare for women.
Dr. Fredline McCormack-Hale, President of the 50/50 Group, emphasized that while Sierra Leone has made tremendous progress over the past 30 years, challenges persist. She stressed the need for stakeholders to invest in women’s capacity-building and address economic inequalities, cultural barriers, and traditional norms that hinder progress.
Mrs. Baindu Taylor, UN Women representative, acknowledged the 189 countries, including Sierra Leone, that endorsed the Beijing Declaration three decades ago, committing to eliminating violence against women and girls. While she recognized positive legal reforms in Sierra Leone, she noted that violence against women remains pervasive and called for accelerated progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the forum, Hon. Wuyatta Songo assured that Parliament remains committed to enacting laws to protect women and girls and informed attendees that 24 female MPs are currently serving in Parliament. She also called for increased capacity-building and resource allocation to government institutions to further empower women. However, she noted that despite the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE) facilitating progress, gaps still exist.
Veteran educationist and diplomat, Haja Alarie Cole, chaired the event, while Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Mr. Hindowa Bindi, introduced the Minister.
Key moments of the event included:
• Official opening of the forum by Dr. Isata Mahoi
• Thematic Presentation: “Beijing+30: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward” by Mr. Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Research and Policy at MGCA
• Panel discussions on topics including:
• Women and Politics
• Women in the Economy
• Education and Training
• Women in Power and Decision-Making
• Human Rights of Women
• Violence Against Women and Girls
• Women in the Media and the Environment
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Green Bank for Women logo by Dr. Mahoi, who described “Osusu” (local savings groups) as a critical tool for empowering grassroots women. She reiterated that the discussions and initiatives from the forum would not be in vain, affirming the government’s dedication to improving the lives of women and girls.
Dr. Mahoi urged stakeholders to take ownership of the progress made, capitalize on opportunities, and continue shaping a better future for women. She also commended the staff of the Ministry for their exemplary dedication and performance.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Public Relations Officer of the Children’s Forum Network.
