By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called for a holistic and transformative approach to tackling maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, and gender-related issues.
Speaking at the Regional Consultation on Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in West and Central Africa, organized by UNFPA, Dr. Mahoi emphasized that real change requires both policy, action and a shift in societal mindset.
“Teenage pregnancy is not just a personal issue, it is a societal problem,” she stated. “Without a change in mentality, no strategy or intervention will be fully effective.”
Dr. Mahoi pointed out that many teenage pregnancies stem from sexual violence and systemic failure to protect young girls. She noted that among women aged 15-49, pregnancy rates remain alarmingly high, with many cases linked to sexual exploitation. “It’s not always the girl’s fault, society has failed them,” she lamented.
Highlighting education as a powerful tool for empowerment, she underscored the government’s prioritization of education, with 22% of the national budget allocated to the sector. “We want more girls enrolled, retained in school, and able to access higher education,” she said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to legislative reforms to protect children. She cited the Early Child Marriage Act of 2024, championed by First Lady Fatima Bio, as a significant step in curbing child marriages. “We have begun implementation and are working with Parliament on regulations to ensure enforcement,” she revealed.
Additionally, she discussed the 2024 Child Rights Act, which strengthens child protection laws and builds upon the 2007 Act. “This compendium of rights is designed to safeguard the well-being of our children,” she stated.
Addressing the deeply rooted issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which affects nearly 95% of women in Sierra Leone, Dr. Mahoi stressed the need for collective action. “We cannot address gender-based issues in isolation. FGM, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy are interconnected, and we must tackle them together,” she emphasised.
Looking at the future, she advocated for expanding opportunities for girls, particularly in STEM education, to prepare them for the digital age and shield them from cyber-related abuses. “We must open doors for young girls to access scholarships, pursue STEM courses in universities, and equip them with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” she urged.
Dr. Mahoi’s call to action reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting and empowering young girls, ensuring that legislative efforts translate into tangible improvements in their lives.