In a major push for gender equality, the Ministry of Social Welfare has partnered with UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Iceland to launch an initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming in local councils.

The project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, seeks to enhance gender-responsive governance at the local level.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, local council representatives, and Paramount Chiefs. The initiative aims to equip local institutions with the necessary knowledge and tools to integrate gender perspectives into decision-making processes, ensuring inclusive governance that addresses the needs of women and marginalized groups.

Honorable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality and social welfare, emphasizing the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE). She outlined three key focus areas for the ministry: enhancing gender mainstreaming, strengthening institutional capacities, and expanding social welfare programs. The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor ministries’ accountability in disability support, address public health concerns, and expand economic empowerment programs to reduce dependency.

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Hon. Karminty reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to international human rights frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. She called on international partners, including UN agencies, Irish Aid, Iceland, and the UK, to continue their support in funding, technical assistance, and policy exchange.

Sierra Leone has already surpassed the 30% gender quota in cabinet positions, making significant strides towards gender equality. Minister Karminty urged stakeholders to translate policies into tangible actions to ensure equal opportunities, dignity, and shared prosperity for all citizens.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs emphasized the initiative’s significance for Sierra Leone and the African continent. He highlighted the government’s commitment by appointing Gender Officers in all 22 local councils and ensuring gender representation in Cabinet and Parliament. He noted that the project aligns with national commitments to gender equality, including the GEWE Act and the SDGs.

The initiative focuses on key outcomes such as increasing gender-responsive governance, strengthening institutional frameworks, and raising awareness of gender equality. The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and support from international partners to ensure the project’s success.

An Icelandic representative at the event highlighted the importance of collective commitment and collaboration in achieving sustainable progress. Gender equality remains central to Iceland’s development cooperation, with policies successfully closing gaps in education, healthcare, and workforce participation. The representative emphasized that inclusive governance is key to sustainable development, citing Iceland’s leadership, where the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister are all women.

The initiative also aims to strengthen local governance structures, improve service delivery, and address gender-based violence. By equipping local councils with resources and knowledge, Iceland seeks to support Sierra Leone in implementing its Medium-Term National Development Plan and advancing gender equality policies. The Icelandic representative commended Sierra Leone’s passage of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Act, stressing that strong local governance is necessary for meaningful change.

The representative concluded by stating that gender equality is not just a goal but a prerequisite for sustainable development. By empowering women and fostering inclusivity, Iceland and Sierra Leone can work together to build stronger, more resilient communities.

This project marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward gender-inclusive governance, with the potential to transform local governance, promote sustainable development, and serve as a model for gender equality in Africa and beyond.