The Government, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley, Canada, organised a pivotal policy dialogue focused on “The Role of Policy in Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusive Education” at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.

The event, which took place on Friday, June 20, 2025, aimed to stimulate national discussions on equity, education, and inclusive governance.

The dialogue attracted a wide range of participants, including young people, civil society organisations, community leaders, government officials, and development partners.

Its main objectives were to influence public policy, raise awareness, and strengthen collaboration among government bodies, communities, and international partners to enhance gender equality and inclusive education in Sierra Leone.

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, expressed appreciation to the University of the Fraser Valley for its ongoing partnership. He highlighted the shared values between Sierra Leone and the university, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all citizens.

Minister Bah, a strong advocate for women’s and girls’ rights, reflected on Sierra Leone’s progress toward educational equity. He condemned the previous ban that prevented pregnant girls from attending school, which was enacted after the Ebola outbreak, calling it “abhorrent” and “inconsistent with the country’s values.”

He further recounted his involvement in the campaign to overturn this ban, emphasising the government’s dedication to ensuring every child’s right to education.

“Events like this demonstrate that change is not static—we continue to move forward,” Minister Bah stated. He praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership for promoting radical inclusion, which has helped remove barriers to education for pregnant girls, children in rural areas, and individuals living with disabilities.

Despite the progress made, Minister Bah acknowledged that the journey toward gender equality is far from over. He stressed the importance of ongoing engagement and advocacy to achieve lasting change and reiterated the government’s commitment to working with partners to build a more inclusive and equitable Sierra Leone.

The event concluded with a renewed call for policy reforms that support inclusive education and gender equality.