Post a comment 
During Peacebuilding Week and the UN PBF @20 commemoration, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr Isata Mahoi, has called for stronger investment in peacebuilding and greater recognition of women’s leadership.
Positioning women at the centre of national stability, Dr Mahoi stressed that their contributions to reconciliation, community rebuilding, and social cohesion have been vital in shaping Sierra Leone’s post-war recovery. She noted that the country’s progress in maintaining peace is closely tied to the resilience and active participation of women at all levels of society.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey since the Civil War, the Minister pointed to a range of legal and policy reforms that have strengthened the protection of women’s rights and promoted gender equality. According to her, these milestones have not only improved access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence but have also expanded opportunities for women to take on leadership and decision-making roles.
She emphasised that these achievements were made possible through sustained collaboration between government, civil society, development partners, and grassroots women’s groups, highlighting the importance of maintaining this collective momentum.
Dr Mahoi further underscored that peace remains the foundation for development, warning that without sustained efforts to prevent conflict and promote unity, progress in key sectors could be undermined. She called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders to deepen cooperation and scale up interventions that foster inclusion and resilience.
Advocating for increased funding, the Minister urged continued support for initiatives under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, noting that such programs are critical in addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting gender equality and community stability.
She concluded with a call to action for citizens to embrace peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing that Sierra Leone’s future depends on a shared commitment to unity, respect, and national development.
The commemoration brought together government officials, development partners, civil society actors, and peace advocates to reflect on two decades of peacebuilding progress while reinforcing commitments to a more inclusive and peaceful future.
