Gender Minister Challenges Families and Institutions to Safeguard Girls’ Rights
Aminata Koroma The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting and empowering girls, urging families, communities and institutions to work together to safeguard their rights and create opportunities for their development.
Speaking at the 7th National Girls Summit 2026 in Kenema, which brought together girls from all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, Minister Mahoi encouraged participants to stand up for what is right, embrace their potential and support one another.
Held under the theme “Our Power in Action: Protecting Our Future,” the summit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of investing in girls, listening to their voices and creating an enabling environment for them to lead and thrive.
“Our girls are not just girls; they are our future,” the Minister said, emphasising the critical role girls play in the country’s present and future development.
Mahoi reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to protecting girls through initiatives and services, including Safe Spaces, One Stop Centres and the 116 toll-free helpline. She also highlighted the implementation of laws and policies aimed at safeguarding children and advancing gender equality.
The Minister called on families, communities, government institutions and development partners to strengthen their collective efforts to end harmful practices and address violence against girls.
She further stressed the need to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to speak out, exercise her rights and shape her own future without being silenced or left behind.
As the five-day summit concluded, Mahoi reminded participants that girls are not only the future of Sierra Leone but also an important part of its present.
She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to building a safer, stronger and more inclusive environment in which every girl and child can thrive, realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.