B:y Saidu Jalloh
At the 10th International Policy Conference on the African Child, held from October 28-29, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding adolescents and eliminating harmful practices that affect them.
Speaking on the theme “Addressing Harmful Practices Affecting Adolescents,” Dr. Mahoi outlined Sierra Leone’s progress in strengthening its legal and policy framework to protect the rights and well-being of young people. She highlighted the enactment of key legislation, including the Child Rights Act (2025), the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024), and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022), as critical milestones in advancing adolescent protection.
Dr. Mahoi also discussed the government’s National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025–2030), which adopts a multisectoral approach encompassing education, health, protection, and economic empowerment. She noted that, through initiatives like the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program, adolescent school enrollment has increased significantly, with girls now accounting for 52% of secondary school attendance nationwide.
The Minister further emphasized ongoing efforts to expand access to age-appropriate, stigma-free services, including youth-friendly health centers, social protection programs, and inclusive education for adolescents with disabilities. She also pointed to the National Parenting for Protection Initiative and rehabilitation programs for adolescents in conflict with the law as critical components in fostering resilience and promoting positive family values.
Dr. Mahoi underscored the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, highlighting the National Gender and Children’s Affairs Coordination Framework as a key platform for enhancing coordination among government ministries, local councils, and development partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery for adolescents.
Additionally, Dr. Mahoi emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, referencing the launch of the Adolescent Wellbeing Dashboard (2024), which monitors progress across health, education, and social indicators to inform more effective policymaking.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s belief in adolescent participation, Dr. Mahoi commended the contributions of the Children’s Forum Network, Youth Advisory Panels, and Community Child Welfare Committees, which have played an integral role in shaping national policies. She revealed that over 5,000 adolescents participated in consultations that informed the new Child Rights Act.
“In Sierra Leone, we believe that investing in adolescents is investing in peace, prosperity, and progress. We are proud of the steps we have taken and humbled by the journey ahead. Let us walk it together, with courage, compassion, and conviction.”
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs continues to lead inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable efforts aimed at protecting adolescents and promoting their holistic development across Sierra Leone.