By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone took center stage at this year’s Ministerial High-Level Regional Meeting of the Global Alliance to End Violence Against Children, as the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, urged African nations to unite in protecting the continent’s children from violence and abuse.
Speaking to government leaders and global development partners in Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Mahoi made a powerful appeal for enhanced cross-border collaboration, emphasizing that safeguarding Africa’s children is a shared continental responsibility.
“In Sierra Leone and across Africa, children are still suffering from harmful practices that rob them of their dignity and future,” she stated. “We must rise together with bold policy decisions, increased investment, and grassroots engagement to break this cycle.”
Dr. Mahoi presented both the challenges and progress Sierra Leone has experienced in its child protection efforts. Despite the strengthening of national laws and the implementation of UNICEF-supported programs, over 86% of children in Sierra Leone are still subjected to violent discipline. Female genital mutilation (FGM) affects 83% of girls, and nearly one-third are married before the age of 18 figures that mirror trends across the region.
She stressed the need for stronger implementation, particularly in rural areas where limited birth registration currently at just 31% for children under five—continues to restrict access to justice and essential services.
Nevertheless, Sierra Leone’s efforts also offer hope. Dr. Mahoi highlighted several impactful national initiatives, including the Positive Parenting programme, which now benefits more than 32,000 parents across 12 districts. Additionally, adolescent safe spaces have empowered over 156,000 young people—especially girls—with life skills and reproductive health education.
Innovative digital systems such as CPIMS+ and GBVIMS+, along with the establishment of dedicated Sexual Offences Courts, are helping to improve case management and enhance access to justice for survivors.
Dr. Mahoi reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to global initiatives like the Bogotá Pledges and the forthcoming Child Rights Bill, 2024. She also announced the government’s collaboration with UNICEF to assess and strengthen its social service workforce in preparation for the 2026 national budget.
“Ending violence against children is not just a policy goal it is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development,” Dr. Mahoi emphasized. “We’re calling on our regional partners to join this movement. Africa’s children deserve nothing less than our united action.”
The Abuja meeting concluded with renewed commitments to collective leadership and shared accountability as African nations continue working together to eliminate violence against children and uphold their rights.