By: Aminata Sesay
With a deep sense of duty and pride, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, returned to her roots in Moyamba District on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 not only as a government official but as a proud daughter of the soil, committed to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind.
Speaking at a Civic Day town hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Dr. Mahoi engaged directly with her community to share progress, address challenges, and discuss the future of gender equality in Sierra Leone. The event gathered government ministers, traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society, and citizens from across Moyamba.
“I was born here in Ribbi Chiefdom. It is not just an honor but a responsibility to come back and give an account of what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and what still needs to be done especially for women and girls,” Dr. Mahoi said to loud applause.
In her address, Dr. Mahoi highlighted the transformative impact of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, calling it a game-changer in the fight for equal representation. Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, she reported that women now occupy 34.5% of cabinet positions and 30% of seats in Parliament an unprecedented milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic history.
“But it’s not just about numbers,” she emphasized. “It’s about power, inclusion, and protection. It’s about changing the lives of girls who once thought leadership was out of reach.”
She outlined key legislative reforms aimed at empowering women, including: the Customary Land Rights Act, the Employment Act, the Political Parties Regulation Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024)
“These are not just policies on paper they are legal shields and ladders for real people,” she explained.
Dr. Mahoi also acknowledged the continued threat of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She praised the establishment of One-Stop Centres in districts like Moyamba that offer free medical care and psychosocial support to survivors.
“These laws and services are just the beginning. We’re still facing real challenges like victims and perpetrators being transported together due to limited mobility resources. But we are pushing for better systems. We hear you. We see you.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education to implement the Radical Inclusion Policy, ensuring that pregnant girls remain in school and are supported to continue their education.
Throughout her address, Dr. Mahoi’s personal journey as a native of Moyamba deeply resonated with the audience. Her dual role as a policy leader and community daughter added depth and authenticity to her message.
“Sometimes change feels distant. But I want you to know: gender equality is not just an urban agenda it is Moyamba’s agenda. It is your daughters’ agenda. It is our collective future.”
Dr. Mahoi was joined by fellow government leaders, including Resident Minister of the Southern Region, Hon. John Abu, and Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alpha Sesay. Their presence reinforced that gender reform is a national priority rooted in the realities of local communities.
From the voices of market women to student leaders and traditional chiefs, the day’s engagement made one thing clear: Sierra Leone’s journey toward gender justice is not confined to policy papers it is alive on the ground, in every district, and in the hearts of its people.