By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and strengthening child protection systems in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has renewed its commitment to working with Plan International Sierra Leone through the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The Ministry, under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, formalized the collaboration during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, including Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, Chief Director Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director Marian Goodie Sowonie, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, and Deputy Secretary Andrew A. B. Kamara. Representing Plan International Sierra Leone was the Country Director, Mrs. Muniratu Issifu.
To commence the engagement, Chief Director Charles Vandi welcomed the Plan International delegation and reiterated the purpose of the meeting. He expressed deep appreciation for Plan International’s continuous support and its impactful interventions across the country, particularly in improving the wellbeing of children.
In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and safeguarding the welfare of children. She commended the strong and longstanding partnership between MoGCA and Plan International, especially in supporting vulnerable communities through education, protection services, and child empowerment initiatives.
“This MoU is designed to strengthen our partnership for future collaboration and to complement the government’s efforts,” she emphasized.
Speaking on behalf of Plan International Sierra Leone, Country Director Mrs. Muniratu Issifu expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its leadership in championing gender equality and child protection. She highlighted gender equality as an essential pathway for supporting vulnerable women and girls in high-risk communities. Issifu also outlined the organization’s five-year country strategy, which reinforces shared responsibility in addressing children’s issues and promoting women’s rights.
“This MoU recollects and reaffirms our shared commitments,” she noted.
She further stressed the key focus areas embedded in the MoU, including institutional capacity building, policy advocacy, and advancing national frameworks such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act. Issifu concluded by reaffirming Plan International’s dedication to working closely with MoGCA to strengthen child protection mechanisms, enhance women’s empowerment, and support long-term development initiatives.
The ceremony ended with an official photo session capturing the signing of the MoU an important milestone that marks a renewed and strengthened partnership committed to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and upholding the rights and protection of every child in Sierra Leone.