New York, September 23, 2026 (SLENA)-Sierra Leone and France have cemented their resolve to fortify cooperation on gender equality, women’s empowerment and children’s rights protection, elevating shared aspirations into tangible diplomatic action during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly Session in New York.
Gender and Children’s Affairs Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi met France’s Ambassador for Human Rights and former Minister Delegate for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Isabelle Rome.
Ministry release stated engagement provided an opportunity to deepen dialogue exploring collaboration areas advancing women’s and children’s rights and well-being while addressing harmful practices affecting women and girls.
Discussions focused on collaborative approaches to ending child marriage, strengthening women’s empowerment and leadership, and promoting exchange programmes and knowledge-sharing between Sierra Leone and France.
Both sides underscored sustained international partnerships, policy dialogue, and shared learning in supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect girls from child marriage, expanding opportunities for women and girls to participate meaningfully in social, economic, and political development.
Engagement reflected the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs’ continued efforts to build strategic partnerships supporting the translation of global commitments into practical action for Sierra Leonean women and children.
Through strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the Ministry continues advancing priorities in gender equality, women’s empowerment, child protection, and children’s rights promotion, exploring innovative partnerships and international exchanges contributing to sustainable progress.
Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo, MoGCA Communications Uni
