By: Saidu Jalloh
The Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs, Isata Jabbie Kabba has outlined significant progress in advancing women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone, citing increased female participation in governance and stronger legal protections for women and girls on 17th March 2026.
Speaking at the Government’s weekly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Madam Kabba said the administration of Julius Maada Bio has made deliberate efforts to elevate women into leadership positions across key sectors.
She disclosed that women now occupy an unprecedented number of seats in Parliament, with 41 female legislators, while the Cabinet includes 28 women serving in various capacities. According to her, this marks a significant shift toward inclusive governance and gender representation.
Madam Kabba also highlighted the growing presence of women in strategic national institutions such as the National Revenue Authority and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, noting that these appointments reflect the government’s commitment to empowering women beyond political spaces.
On legal and policy reforms, she commended the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which guarantees a minimum 30 percent quota for women in governance. She described the Act as a transformative instrument that has strengthened women’s participation and visibility in national decision-making.
She further pointed to the work of the Presidential Task Force on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to combat such abuses across the country.
Madam Kabba called on citizens to support the fight against gender-based violence, urging communities to speak out and avoid compromising cases involving abuse.
Addressing a recent issue involving Zainab Sheriff, the Presidential Adviser condemned the statement that led to her arrest, noting that Sierra Leone has moved beyond such rhetoric. However, she revealed that quiet efforts are underway to seek her release.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls, stressing that sustained progress requires collective responsibility and active participation from all citizens.