The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Trocaire, and various development partners, has launched the Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NEWMAP) Constitution and Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.

The event, which was held at the New Brookfields Hotel, gathered key stakeholders dedicated to promoting gender equality in Sierra Leone.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aminata Y. Sannoh, opened the ceremony by outlining the importance of the NEWMAP initiative. “This launch is crucial for amplifying the voices of women and girls, promoting solidarity, and mobilizing resources for women’s empowerment,” she stated.

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Sannoh asserted that achieving progress in gender equality requires collaboration and networking, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and transformative leadership.

Director of Programmes at CGG, Bernadette French, served as the chairperson for the event. She remarked that the launch signifies a commitment to empowering women to influence change.

“This is a call to action for development partners, civil society organizations, and the government to work together in dismantling systemic barriers to women’s leadership,” she stated.

Deputy Chief Director, Charles Vandi, provided historical context for NEWMAP, explaining that the idea originated over two decades ago.

“NEWMAP seeks to create a unified platform to empower women, enhance social welfare through the GEWE Act, and build partnerships for mentorship and leadership opportunities,” he said.

Sahr Kendema presented the NEWMAP Strategic Plan 2025-2030, detailing its vision, mission, and strategic areas, which include collaboration, advocacy, legal empowerment, and monitoring and evaluation.

During a panel discussion, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, highlighted the successes of the GEWE Act and other gender-responsive frameworks. She noted that NEWMAP would strengthen the implementation of policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making roles, including UN Resolution 1325.

Rebecca Yei Kamara discussed Parliament’s initiatives to address women’s issues, including reforms to the Sexual Offences Act and the Customary Land Rights Act. Mariama Bangura also emphasized NEWMAP’s significance in advancing women’s advocacy and leadership.

Gender Adviser at the Office of the President, Madam I. J. Kabba, encouraged women to unite across political lines and serve as role models in their communities.

During the commitments segment, Ms. Judith Jones, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, pledged support for integrating women into tourism and sustainable development.

Baindu Massaquoi, representing UN Women, reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support for the implementation of NEWMAP. Sahr Emerson Lamina, a male ally in Parliament, also promised ongoing mentorship for women’s empowerment.

In her keynote address, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in advancing women’s rights, highlighting the 41% female representation in Cabinet.

She concluded the event by officially launching the NEWMAP Constitution and Strategic Plan 2025-2030, calling it a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in Sierra Leone.