By Michaella Faith Wright

In a stirring address that reverberated with passion and purpose, Dr. Isata Mahoi, the esteemed Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone, took center stage at the 5th Edition of the African Women Summit. With a resolute call to action, she ignited a fervent dialogue aimed at advancing the cause of girls’ rights and empowerment across the continent. Against the backdrop of Africa’s diverse landscapes and complex socio-economic realities, Dr. Mahoi’s words resonated deeply, transcending borders and inspiring a collective commitment to change.

At the heart of Dr. Mahoi’s impassioned plea was the urgent need to dismantle barriers and create pathways for the advancement of girls, particularly in the face of entrenched inequalities and systemic injustices. Drawing upon her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the cause, she underscored the transformative power of education and leadership in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s young women. With eloquence and conviction, Dr. Mahoi articulated a vision of inclusivity and empowerment, where every girl is afforded the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Central to Dr. Mahoi’s message was a profound recognition of the multifaceted challenges confronting girls across the continent. From pervasive gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices to limited access to education and economic opportunities, the barriers to girls’ progress are manifold and deeply entrenched. Yet, in the face of adversity, Dr. Mahoi remained undeterred, championing a bold agenda for change and calling upon all stakeholders to join hands in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Drawing inspiration from the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Dr. Mahoi reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights of girls and women in line with international standards and best practices. She outlined a comprehensive framework for action, encompassing policy reform, institutional strengthening, and community mobilization, with a particular emphasis on the need to address the root causes of gender inequality and discrimination.

In outlining the government’s proactive measures, Dr. Mahoi underscored the importance of holistic approaches that combine legal reforms with targeted interventions to address the underlying drivers of gender-based violence and exploitation. From the revision of child protection laws to the establishment of One-Stop Centers for survivors of gender-based violence, Sierra Leone is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of its most vulnerable citizens.

As Dr. Mahoi concluded her address, she did so with a note of gratitude and hope, acknowledging the collective efforts of all participants in advancing the cause of girls’ rights and empowerment. With unwavering determination, she called upon the divine blessings to guide their shared journey towards a future where every girl is free to dream, aspire, and achieve her fullest potential

 Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Wednesday, May 15TH, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)