Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh engaged executive members of the Mamie Queens in a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between traditional women leaders and government institutions, as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and national development in Sierra Leone on Thursday 26th February 2026.
The engagement brought together the National Secretary General of the Mamie Queens, Madam Mamawa Kaikai, the President, Madam Tiwa Kaifala Kaimachainde, and representatives from across the country.
The meeting provided a structured platform for dialogue and sustained engagement between the Mamie Queens, key government ministries, and development partners. Discussions focused on strengthening leadership and governance skills, promoting collective advocacy on issues affecting women and communities, and enhancing coordination between Paramount Chiefs, traditional women leaders, and formal state institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister commended the Mamie Queens for building a growing national movement, which began in Kono District and has expanded to over 300 members nationwide. He encouraged them to remain united and committed to institutional growth.
“We are having these engagements for progress. I advise you to continue the important work you are doing. You are building an institution that is bigger than all of you,” he stated.
He further encouraged the Mamie Queens to deepen engagement with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, as well as international partners including UN Women and UNDP, to strengthen coordination and expand development opportunities for women at the grassroots level.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, National Secretary General Madam Mamawa Kaikai expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for honouring his commitment to support the group, including facilitating travel opportunities for representation.
“We thank you for keeping your promise. Through your support, one of us has already benefited from the travel opportunity you assured us,” she said.
The President of the Mamie Queens, Madam Tiwa Kaifala Kaimachainde, highlighted the theme of their forthcoming consultative conference: “Empowering the Mamie Queens and Women Chiefs for Effective Participation in Governance and Community Development in Sierra Leone.” She noted that the conference aims to strengthen institutional capacity, promote accountability, and enhance collaboration between traditional and formal governance systems.
The engagement aligns with the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda by reinforcing women’s empowerment, human capital development, governance reform, and inclusive community participation. Strengthening traditional women’s leadership structures is expected to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development and national cohesion.
Chief Minister Dr. Moinina Sengeh reiterated that Sierra Leone’s long-term national aspiration remains clear: by 2035, the country should be an inclusive, green, middle-income nation. He emphasized that achieving this vision requires the active participation of women leaders at all levels of governance.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to sustained partnership, structured engagement, and collective action to ensure that traditional women leaders play a central role in advancing Sierra Leone’s development priorities.