By Michaella Faith Wright

In a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at reinforcing international cooperation, the Spanish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Angel Antonio Carrascal Guitierrez, recently paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. This visit marks an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Spain and Sierra Leone, particularly in the realm of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Ambassador Guitierrez was accompanied by Mr. Antoine Yazbeck, the Honorary Consulate of Spain, highlighting the importance Spain places on this relationship. The discussions held during the meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on supporting gender-related initiatives.

Minister Mahoi warmly welcomed Ambassador Guitierrez and Mr. Yazbeck, expressing her gratitude for Spain’s continued support. She highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in addressing gender issues and advancing the status of women in Sierra Leone. Dr. Mahoi outlined the various programs and policies her ministry is implementing to promote gender equality, including initiatives to combat gender-based violence, support women’s economic empowerment, and increase access to education and healthcare for women and girls.

During the discussions, Ambassador Guitierrez reiterated Spain’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts in promoting gender equality. He underscored the importance of these initiatives not only for the social development of Sierra Leone but also for the economic growth and stability of the nation. The Ambassador highlighted Spain’s experience and achievements in the area of gender equality, expressing hope that this experience could be beneficial to Sierra Leone.

One of the key topics discussed was the potential for collaboration in educational programs aimed at empowering women and girls. Ambassador Guitierrez noted that education is a fundamental tool for achieving gender equality, and Spain is keen to support initiatives that provide girls with access to quality education. He also discussed the possibility of establishing exchange programs and scholarships that would enable Sierra Leonean women to study in Spain, thereby gaining valuable skills and knowledge.

Economic empowerment of women was another major focus of the meeting. Both parties agreed on the need to create more opportunities for women to participate in the economy, whether through entrepreneurship, access to financial services, or vocational training programs. Ambassador Guitierrez expressed Spain’s willingness to support projects that help women start and grow their own businesses, thus contributing to the economic development of their communities and the country as a whole.

Additionally, the discussions touched on the importance of addressing gender-based violence, a pervasive issue that hinders the progress of women and girls. Minister Mahoi shared the ministry’s efforts in this regard, including awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and support services for survivors. The Ambassador commended these efforts and offered Spain’s support in implementing and scaling up such initiatives.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about the future of Spain-Sierra Leone relations. They agreed to explore concrete steps to implement the discussed initiatives, ensuring that the partnership yields tangible benefits for the women and girls of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Guitierrez’s visit is a testament to Spain’s dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations and supporting gender equality worldwide. It reflects a shared vision of a future where women and men enjoy equal rights and opportunities, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of their nations.

As Sierra Leone continues to work towards gender equality, international support and collaboration, such as that from Spain, will be crucial in achieving these goals. The Spanish Ambassador’s visit has laid a solid foundation for a partnership that promises to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of Sierra Leonean women and girls, paving the way for a more equitable and just society.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, July 8th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)