The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Trocaire, and development partners, has officially launched the Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NEWMAP) Constitution and Strategic Plan 2025–2030 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The launch attracted prominent stakeholders including the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi; Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh; Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, Deputy Director Hannah A. Lahai’ Director of Programmes at CGG, Mrs. Bernadette French; Sahr Kendema of CGG, Members of Parliament such as Hon. Mariama Zombo, Hon. Mariama Bangura, and Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara; Gender Adviser at the Office of the President Madam I.J Kabba, alongside several development partners and officials.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Madam Aminata Y. Sannoh, emphasized the importance of the NEWMAP launch, highlighting its role in amplifying the voices of women and girls, promoting solidarity and unity, and mobilizing resources for women’s empowerment.
She underscored that progress in gender equality can only be achieved through collaboration and networking, stressing that the initiative embodies values of accountability, transparency, and transformative leadership.
The chairperson for the ceremony, Mrs. Bernadette French, the Director of Programmes at Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), stated that the event goes beyond the unveiling of document; and that it marked a commitment to ensuring women have the power to influence change.
She described the plan as “a call to action” for development partners, CSOs, and government to work together in dismantling systemic barriers and strengthening women’s leadership nationwide.
Speaking on the background of NEWMAP, the Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Mr Charles Vandi explained that, the idea was conceived over two decades ago under the then Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs.
He said NEWMAP seeks to create a unified platform to empower women in Sierra Leone, enhance social welfare through the GEWE Act, and build partnerships to advance mentorship, governance, and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
Sahr Kendema presented the NEWMAP Strategic Plan 2025–2030, outlining its vision, mission, and key strategic areas including collaboration, advocacy, legal empowerment, and monitoring and evaluation.
In a panel discussion, Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi highlighted the successes of the GEWE Act and other gender-responsive frameworks.
She emphasized that NEWMAP would strengthen implementation of landmark policies, including UN Resolution 1325 to promote women’s participation in decision-making roles.
Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara shared Parliament’s progress in promoting women’s concerns, including reforms to social laws, the Sexual Offences Act, the Customary Land Rights Act, and women’s representation in parliamentary committees.
Hon. Mariama Bangura also stressed the importance of NEWMAP in advancing women’s advocacy and leadership.
Madam I.J. Kabba, Gender Adviser at the Office of the President, encouraged women to unite across political divides, serve as role models, and strengthen collaboration for national development.
During the statement of commitments, Ms. Judith Jones, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, pledged support for women’s inclusion in tourism, arts, gastronomy, and sustainable development.
Baindu Massaquoi, on behalf of UN Women, reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support for NEWMAP’s implementation.
Hon. Sahr Emerson Lamina, a parliamentary male ally, pledged continued mentorship support for women’s empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in advancing women’s rights, noting the 41 percent female representation in Cabinet.
She emphasized that the NEWMAP Strategic Plan would serve as a roadmap for national transformation and women’s empowerment, linking it to the government’s “Five Big Game Changers’ agenda.
She concluded by officially launching the NEWMAP Constitution and Strategic Plan 2025–2030, describing it as a milestone in the fight for gender equality in Sierra Leone.
Credit: Kelvin Mark Kargbo
