Post a comment 
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to advancing the nexus between Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender equality during a ministerial meeting in New York City held alongside the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Delivering opening remarks at a side event titled “From Promise to Progress: Advancing the SRHR–Gender Equality Nexus,” Minister Mahoi emphasized that global commitments must translate into tangible and measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls.
She noted that when women and girls are empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures, societies as a whole benefit and prosper. However, she warned that persistent barriers to SRHR continue to fuel challenges such as maternal mortality, child marriage, gender-based violence, and economic exclusion.
Highlighting ongoing efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone, the minister outlined key initiatives aimed at turning policy commitments into practical action.
Among them is the SHAPE Project, which has strengthened health infrastructure and expanded adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health services in Freetown and the Western Rural District.
Minister Mahoi also referenced the recently launched $10 million EmpowerHER Project, implemented in partnership with CAUSE Canada. The project seeks to integrate reproductive health and family planning into national policy frameworks while addressing violence against women and girls.
Additionally, the government continues to collaborate with the World Health Organization to integrate SRHR into universal health coverage and strengthen reproductive health services across the country.
Calling for stronger global action, Minister Mahoi urged international partners to move beyond rhetoric and focus on implementation. She emphasized the need to strengthen accountability mechanisms, invest in comprehensive SRHR services, challenge harmful social norms, and build partnerships capable of delivering sustainable progress.
