By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step towards advancing women’s leadership in peace building and national development with the launch of the Third Generation National Action Plan (SILNAP 3).
Unveiled on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, SILNAP 3 marks the country’s continued commitment to empowering women and strengthening their roles in peace and security.
The ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Jabbie Kabba, Gender Adviser in the Office of the President, and attended by high-level government officials, including the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi. Stakeholders from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Embassy of Ireland, and civil society organizations also graced the occasion.
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, delivered a keynote address reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women through the full implementation of SILNAP 3. She praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership and highlighted how the new action plan aligns with his government’s Big Five Agenda, which focuses on human capital development, healthcare, and inclusive governance as cornerstones of Sierra Leone’s progress.
Dr. Mahoi noted that women’s empowerment is a fundamental pillar of the country’s national development strategy and a critical component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She pointed to the passage of key legislation, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, as major milestones. These laws safeguard women’s rights and ensure their increased participation in governance with a mandated minimum of 30% female representation in decision-making roles.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Mrs. Aminata Sannoh, called for enhanced collaboration between government ministries, development partners, and civil society to ensure the successful implementation of SILNAP 3. She stressed that collective action is vital to addressing women’s needs, particularly in conflict and post-conflict situations.
Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Gender, provided an in-depth overview of the new action plan. SILNAP 3 is designed to align with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for protecting women during conflicts and their participation in peace processes. He outlined key objectives, including the prevention of conflict, protecting women from gender-based violence (GBV), and increasing women’s participation in politics and security. Capacity-building for women in leadership and decision-making roles is another key plan focus.
The Deputy Minister of Defence praised the Ministry of Gender for spearheading efforts to integrate women into national security. He pointed to establishing a Gender Unit within the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in 2009, leading to a growing number of women taking on leadership roles within the military. “We now see women in command and intelligence positions,” he said, noting that this ensures women are part of critical decision-making processes in the nation’s security apparatus.
Mrs. Nadia Momoh, Secretary-General of the Women’s Forum, commended the government for its continued support of women’s empowerment and urged sustained efforts to ensure SILNAP 3 is fully implemented. Similarly, Madam Hawa Samai from the National Commission for Peace highlighted the need for stronger institutional frameworks to address gender-related concerns, especially in post-conflict recovery.
The launch of SILNAP 3 is a testament to the Bio Government’s commitment to fostering gender equality and promoting sustainable peace through inclusive governance. This initiative is closely tied to the government’s Big Five Agenda, prioritizing building a resilient nation with equal opportunities for all citizens. The focus on women’s empowerment within SILNAP 3 directly supports this agenda’s human capital development component, ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries but also key contributors to national growth.
The plan also emphasizes combating gender-based violence with initiatives like the establishment of a toll-free rape helpline (116), the development of a national male involvement strategy for GBV prevention, and the opening of one-stop centers in seven districts to provide comprehensive GBV response services. These measures align with Sierra Leone’s broader goal of creating a society where gender equality and women’s rights are upheld.
As Dr. Isata Mahoi officially launched SILNAP 3, she expressed deep gratitude to international partners, particularly the Embassy of Ireland, for their continued support. She reiterated that the full realization of the action plan will require sustained collaboration across all sectors of society.
“This launch is not just about fulfilling international obligations, but about reshaping the future of Sierra Leone through the active participation of women in peace, security, and development,” Dr. Mahoi concluded, setting the stage for a new era of leadership and inclusivity in the nation’s march towards progress.
SILNAP 3 is poised to become a cornerstone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to ensure women are at the forefront of the country’s peace building and development initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
