The Sierra Leone Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, hosted a historic event at the UN Plaza, co-sponsored by eleven Permanent Missions and NGOs.

This special event, titled “Call to Action for a Better World with and for Women and Girls with Disabilities,” was held on the sidelines of the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The program aimed to showcase the artistic and cultural talents of persons with disabilities while promoting their socio-economic empowerment and raising awareness of their abilities.

The event featured statements from member states, captivating performances including a fashion show, music, and dance, alongside exhibits showcasing products created by persons with disabilities. Hundreds of participants from the diplomatic community, UN staff, civil society, and humanitarian organizations joined the event.

H.E. Mr. Amara Sheik Mohammed Sowa, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, expressed gratitude to co-hosts and partners for their contribution to the event’s success. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s dedication to upholding the rights and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly considering 10% of the population living with disabilities, a legacy of the country’s civil war.

“This gathering embodies our shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” stated Mr. Sowa. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Convention in 2010 and its unwavering support for instruments promoting social and human rights, including gender equality and education for girls.

The Minister of Social Welfare, H.E. Mrs. Melrose Karminty, addressed the gathering, outlining Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society, specifically for persons with disabilities. She underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling disability-related challenges and appealed for international support in implementing the Socio-economic Empowerment Programme, providing micro-grants, assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and supporting the Five Years Strategic Plan.

Minister Karminty also acknowledged the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for their support and appealed for Sierra Leone’s reselection for the next Multi-Partners Trust Fund round. Additionally, a 10-minute documentary showcasing the efforts to build an inclusive Sierra Leone for and with women and girls with disabilities was presented.

The event concluded with the Minister expressing her sincere gratitude to all UN agencies in Sierra Leone for their collaboration on various welfare-related initiatives.