Post a comment 
The Ministry of and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has engaged the Freetown City Council in high-level discussions on the implementation of the ”Freetown Caring City Project,” an ambitious initiative aimed at supporting unpaid caregivers, especially women and girls in vulnerable communities across the capital.
The meeting, held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, brought together senior government officials and a delegation led by Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr to explore strategies for strengthening social support systems for caregivers.
Discussions centered on improving access to healthcare, education, social welfare services, safe community spaces, and economic opportunities for women and girls who shoulder caregiving responsibilities within homes and communities. The project also seeks to reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other forms of violence affecting women and girls.
Welcoming the delegation, Chief Director of the Ministry, Charles Vandi, introduced senior ministry officials present at the meeting, including Deputy Directors Bamie J. Sesay and Mrs. Hannah Lahai Robinson, alongside Assistant Directors Foday Sesay and Laura Koroma.
In her presentation, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr explained that the project is funded by the International Development Research Centre and forms part of a wider international urban development agenda, with Sierra Leone selected as one of the key countries for implementation.
She noted that the initiative is specifically designed to support unpaid caregivers through social protection programmes, healthcare access, welfare support, and empowerment initiatives targeting women who play critical caregiving roles in society.
According to the Mayor, the Susan’s Bay community has been selected as the primary implementation area under a model known as “The Care Block.”
The project is expected to establish safe learning spaces, computer literacy programmes, and financial inclusion opportunities to empower women and girls within the community.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, praised the initiative and described it as timely and impactful.
Dr. Mahoi highlighted the significance of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, stating that the law was enacted to tackle inequalities affecting women, including barriers to financial services, leadership opportunities, and participation in national decision-making processes.
She further emphasized that the Ministry continues to collaborate with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to advance gender equity and women’s empowerment across Sierra Leone.
”I am very much happy for this laudable initiative and this is more than welcoming for us,” Dr. Mahoi stated while commending the project’s focus on supporting vulnerable women and caregivers at the grassroots level.
The meeting concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing strengthened collaboration and shared commitment toward inclusive urban development and women’s empowerment initiatives in Sierra Leone.
