By: Saidu Jalloh
In a bid to curtail Gender-Based Violence, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has, in a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, advocated for gender equality and protection of women and girls against all forms of violence.
Minister Mahoi emphasized the central role of President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio in driving Sierra Leone’s gender equality reforms. “Sierra Leone has come a long way. Although we are a small nation, the real resource is our women and girls,” Hon. Mahoi said, lauding the government’s ongoing efforts to create a safer and more equitable society.
One of the key achievements highlighted was the launch of Sierra Leone’s third-generation National Action Plan (SiLNAP) on women, peace, and security. The plan launched just weeks before the CHOGM event, reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to tackling GBV and enhancing women’s roles in decision-making processes. “The launch of our third-generation SiLNAP demonstrates how far we’ve come,” Dr. Mahoi said, calling it a major milestone in the country’s gender equality journey.
She outlined the legal reforms that have transformed Sierra Leone’s gender landscape. The country implemented the Gender Act in 2007, addressing domestic violence and registering customary marriages. In 2012, the government passed the Sexual Offences Act, which was further amended in 2019 to focus on sexual penetration cases, especially those involving minors.
A significant step forward in justice for GBV survivors was the establishment of a Special Court for sexual offenses. Hon. Mahoi noted that while Sierra Leone initially had just one court for sexual offense cases, a second court was recently opened in the country’s eastern region. “This is an effort to take victims away from the normal court sittings,” she explained, highlighting the need for a specialized judicial process to address these sensitive cases.
However, Mahoi acknowledged some challenges, particularly regarding delays in delivering justice. “Justice is not always served when it’s needed,” Dr. Mahoi admitted, referencing current legal provisions that allow only the Attorney General to pass judgment in certain cases. She suggested amendments to the Sexual Offences Act are being considered to address these delays.
Another landmark reform was the introduction of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act in 2022. This act promotes equality in the workplace, female representation in decision-making roles, and women’s economic empowerment. The Act also addresses sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the workplace and ensures that women are included in the financial sector through policies that promote financial inclusion.
She also highlighted the Customary Land Rights Law, which now allows women to own property outside of the capital, Freetown. Previously, traditional inheritance practices often left women without property rights. “We’ve made significant changes in how women can own property, ensuring that their rights are protected even outside the conventional areas,” she explained.
Sierra Leone has also taken steps to support GBV victims by establishing one-stop centers in regional hospitals that provide access to services such as medical care, legal advice, and psychological support. The government is collaborating with NGOs to ensure victims receive comprehensive services.
While Sierra Leone has made impressive progress, Minister Mahoi pointed out that the country still faces challenges, particularly in implementing its ambitious gender reforms. “Many times, we have beautiful laws, but the challenge is in the implementation,” she said, explaining that a lack of resources often hampers the full execution of policies like the GEWE Act.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mahoi expressed optimism, noting that the number of women in the country’s cabinet and parliament has increased. “We have to be deliberate in everything we do to protect women and girls,” she stated.
Sierra Leone is set to release its first gender accountability report by the end of the year, which will assess the country’s progress in implementing the GEWE Act. Minister Mahoi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with NGOs and civil society organizations to ensure the effective implementation of gender laws and to avoid duplication of efforts.
“Sierra Leone is moving in the right direction, but we still have work to do,” Hon. Mahoi concluded, expressing confidence in the country’s future as a leader in gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Commonwealth and beyond.
