By Michaella Faith Wright
In the heart of Sierra Leone, a passionate crusade against two deeply entrenched cultural practices – child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) – is gaining momentum, thanks to the unwavering commitment and leadership of Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. With a vision to create a future where every child is free from the shackles of harmful traditions, Dr. Mahoi has emerged as a beacon of hope, championing initiatives aimed at transforming communities and empowering young girls.
Recently, a delegation of over ten women from the One Hundred Strong Women initiative embarked on a transformative journey to Sierra Leone. Their mission? To witness firsthand the impact of their sponsorship, particularly focusing on the “End Child Marriage” project implemented by Save the Children. At the helm of this delegation was the esteemed Minister Isata Mahoi, whose leadership and dedication served as a driving force throughout the journey.
As they traversed through various communities, Minister Isata Mahoi and her team engaged with community members, educating them about the devastating effects of child marriage and FGM, and rallying support for the cause. One notable stop on their journey was the Kenema District Education Committee school, where Minister Mahoi led by example, sharing her own journey and inspiring young pupils to envision a future free from harmful practices.
The impact of their visit was palpable, with the head teacher of the school commending the efforts of Save the Children and expressing gratitude for the development initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable children. Minister Isata Mahoi’s unwavering commitment to eradicating early marriage in Sierra Leone was evident as she continued her mission, visiting community action groups and engaging with stakeholders in Kailahun District.
In her impassioned speeches, Minister IsataMahoi emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling these deeply rooted issues. She called upon community stakeholders to be vigilant and proactive in reporting instances of early marriage, stressing that it is only through collaboration and unified efforts that lasting change can be achieved.
In essence, Hon. Dr.IsataMahoi’s tireless dedication and visionary leadership in championing the end of child marriage and FGM in Sierra Leone serve as a testament to the power of individual action in driving social change .Through her unwavering commitment , she is paving the way for a brighter and more empowered future for the children of Sierra Leone .
In her concluding remarks, Minister IsataMahoi reiterated her vision of a Sierra Leone where every child can make decisions for themselves and be free from the constraints of harmful practices. She emphasized that their journey signifies a landmark step towards realizing this vision, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, February 16th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)