By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Snr)
His Excellency Julius Maada Bio recently welcomed Dr. Maxime Houinato, Maxime Houinato, the UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, to the State Lodge in Freetown.
The meeting highlighted Sierra Leone’s achievements in women’s rights and empowerment, with President Bio expressing pride in the nation’s progress.
Dr. Houinato commended Sierra Leone’s initiatives to advance gender equality, noting key policies and programs that have positively impacted women’s lives. In response, President Bio expressed gratitude for UN Women’s continued support, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“We are committed to building on the progress we have made,” President Bio stated. “It is crucial that we enhance our technical support and communication channels to further our efforts in promoting women’s rights.”
The discussions focused on strengthening existing partnerships between the Sierra Leonean government and UN Women, particularly in technical assistance and communication strategies. Both leaders acknowledged that sustained efforts are essential to address ongoing challenges and barriers faced by women in various sectors.
Dr. Houinato reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s initiatives, noting that increased technical support can significantly enhance capacity-building efforts within both governmental and non-governmental organizations working on gender issues.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue prioritizing women’s empowerment in policymaking and implementation. President Bio’s administration aims to maintain momentum in this critical area, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering a society where women can thrive and contribute fully to national development.
This engagement between Sierra Leone and UN Women is considered a vital step in ensuring that gender equality remains a central focus of the country’s development agenda, paving the way for a more equitable future.