By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, who also serves as Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the Southern Region, Mr. Hindowa Buakai Bindi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving gender equality, child protection, and social welfare across the country.
Speaking at the Civic Day Series in Bo, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Bindi outlined key achievements and ongoing reforms being implemented under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. The two-day engagement brought together senior government officials, civil society representatives, and community members to discuss governance, accountability, and development priorities aimed at bringing the government closer to the people.
Mr. Bindi used the platform to highlight some of the Gender Ministry’s notable accomplishments, emphasizing the government’s dedication to empowering women, safeguarding children, and promoting equal opportunities for all citizens.
He said the Ministry has made significant strides in implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which ensures a minimum 30 percent quota for women’s representation in public and political offices. He noted that this law is a ground-breaking step towards achieving gender balance in leadership positions, and it continues to inspire women across the nation to take on greater roles in governance and decision-making.
The Deputy Minister also discussed efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), which remains a pressing social concern in Sierra Leone. He explained that the Ministry has strengthened the One-Stop Centers established nationwide to provide medical, legal, and psychosocial support for survivors of violence. Mr. Bindi further revealed that the government, in collaboration with international partners, is training more social workers and law enforcement officers to ensure swift justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
In addition, he spoke about child welfare and protection programs being rolled out by the Ministry. He stressed the importance of addressing child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labor, all of which continue to hinder the future of young people, especially girls. According to him, the Ministry has been working with traditional leaders, schools, and community organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of these practices and to ensure children remain in school.
Mr. Bindi also underscored the government’s investment in education and women’s economic empowerment. He pointed out that women’s access to financial opportunities through microcredit and skills training programs has increased under the current administration, giving thousands of women the chance to improve their livelihoods and support their families.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Minister encouraged citizens to take ownership of national development by engaging constructively with government programs and upholding civic responsibility. He reiterated that transparency, accountability, and inclusivity are at the heart of the government’s development agenda.
The Civic Day Series in Bo forms part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s broader initiative to strengthen public understanding of government policies and foster dialogue between leaders and citizens. The event was described by many participants as a vital platform for promoting participatory governance and national unity.
