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The Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, called for increased youth participation in shaping gender equality policies during a high-level side event at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
Speaking at the event, Minister Karminty emphasized the vital role of young people as development partners rather than passive beneficiaries. She opened her remarks by expressing Sierra Leone’s appreciation to the co-hosts, Plan International and the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, and acknowledged the youth leaders whose advocacy contributed to the Conakry Youth Declaration adopted in May 2025.
Minister Karminty highlighted Sierra Leone’s legislative achievements in protecting women and girls, citing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024 as a historic milestone in eliminating child marriage and safeguarding girls’ rights to education and development. She also noted the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act and the establishment of the Sexual Offenses Model Court, which have strengthened the justice system’s capacity to respond swiftly to sexual and gender-based violence cases.
She stressed that sustained progress requires empowering young women and men to contribute actively to policy dialogue, community leadership, and national development. “Their perspectives are essential in shaping responsive social protection systems and advancing gender equality,” Minister Karminty stated.
In her closing remarks, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to translating shared international priorities into tangible action at national and community levels. “Commitments made at international forums must be followed by implementation at national and community levels,” she emphasized. “Achieving this requires sustained collaboration, accountability, and adequate resources.”
Minister Karminty called for continued partnership among governments, development partners, civil society, and youth-led organizations to track progress and ensure real change for women and girls across the region.
