By Thaimu T Kamara

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, has launched the Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 First Annual Report on the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022.

The launch, held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown under the theme “Strengthening Accountability, Advancing Gender Equality, Delivering Results,” brought together government officials, development partners, diplomats, civil society and private-sector representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Barlay described the Framework as a critical tool for strengthening gender equality and accountability across government. She said it forms part of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030, particularly the gender mainstreaming agenda under Enabler 4.

Minister Barlay highlighted gains in women’s political representation, noting that women’s representation in Parliament has increased from 13 percent to 30 percent, while Cabinet representation rose from 15 percent to 34 percent. Women’s representation in local councils also increased from 18.4 percent to 34 percent.

She disclosed that gender units have been established in 28 ministries, with trained gender focal points supporting the integration of gender perspectives into government programmes and planning.

However, Barlay identified women’s financial inclusion as a major area requiring further attention, noting that only 27 percent of women currently have access to financial services. She called for increased efforts to expand women’s access to skills training, education, scholarships, employment and senior decision-making positions.

She also urged stronger mechanisms to address sexual harassment and ensure that women can report cases without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata J. Mahoi, said the Framework would transform gender commitments into measurable and enforceable responsibilities. She stressed that gender mainstreaming must be integrated across all sectors rather than treated as the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Madam Serafina Wakana, commended the Government for the initiative, describing the Framework as an important instrument for turning gender commitments into measurable results.

The Government of Ireland also welcomed the first annual report, which covers implementation across 34 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and called for accelerated action to ensure all MDAs meet or exceed the 30 percent minimum target for women in decision-making.

The Gender Accountability Framework is expected to strengthen monitoring of the GEWE Act and ensure that commitments to women and girls translate into measurable actions, improved resource allocation and tangible development outcomes.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 26th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)