Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with UN WOMEN Sierra Leone, has commenced a two-day dialogue workshop aimed at updating and refining action plans for the effective implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, Held at Regimanuel Gray’s Estate.

Assistant Director Bamie J. Sesay provided an overview of the workshop’s objectives, stressing the need for each MDA to develop gender-focused initiatives aligned with the GEWE Act.

“These initiatives are invaluable to our institutions and crucial in the updating and refining process,” Sesay emphasized.

He also urges participants to develop innovative and practical strategies that will serve as reference tools for gender mainstreaming. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among MDAs to ensure the success of the GEWE Act.

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UN Women’s Baindu Massaquoi reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting gender initiatives. She underscored the need for strong policies that integrate gender mainstreaming indicators and strategies.

“The action plan is a key tool in assessing progress and consolidating the GEWE Act,” Massaquoi noted. She assured participants of UN Women’s continued partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to drive sustainable gender reforms.

Director of Planning and Policy Ibrahim Kamara presented the GEWE National Plan (2025-2029), highlighting its alignment with previous regional consultations and the operational framework of the GEWE Act. He stressed the need for policies promoting women’s integration into public office, leadership roles, and private sector employment.

The workshop’s first day culminated in group discussions, where participants proposed recommendations, including strengthening awareness campaigns on gender mainstreaming, developing innovative programs to address gender concerns, enhancing collaboration among MDAs on gender-related issues, and supporting policies that empower women and promote equal opportunities.

As discussions continue into the second day, stakeholders remain committed to refining the GEWE implementation framework, ensuring sustainable progress in gender mainstreaming across Sierra Leone.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Planning and Policy; Andrew A.B. Kamara, Deputy Secretary; Bamie J. Sesay, Assistant Director from the Gender Directorate; Rosa Davies, Assistant Director; Baindu Massaquoi, UN Women Program Specialist; and Mariama Gbao, Project Manager for Gender Mainstreaming. Participants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were also present.