The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations headquarters has kicked off, with Sierra Leone taking center stage in its trailblazing effort in promoting and advancing the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Led by the country’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isatta Mahoi, Sierra Leone’s delegation will participate in a series of high-level dialogues and side events aimed at showcasing the country’s progress in achieving SDG 5.

Sierra Leone has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, including the passage of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Bill in 2022, which was tailor-made to ensure consistency with the country’s Constitution.

The country has also seen a significant increase in the number of women in elective and appointive positions, including in Parliament and Cabinet.

The Sierra Leonean delegation shared their experiences and lessons learned in a panel discussion, joined by partners UN Women, Irish Aid, Trocaire, and the 50/50 Group.

The event aims to highlight progress, opportunities, challenges, and the way forward in achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone. By sharing their successes and challenges, Sierra Leone is setting an example for other countries to follow in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.”