By Saidu Kargbo

Freetown, 6th August, 2026 – The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Isata Mahoi, has underscored the critical role of women’s land rights in fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the National Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue on Women’s Land Rights, Peace and Inclusive Governance held at the New Brookfields Hotel on August 5, Minister Mahoi emphasized that secure land ownership for women reduces community conflicts, strengthens families, boosts agricultural productivity, and contributes to more peaceful and prosperous communities.

“Let us transform this dialogue from words to action and envision a Sierra Leone where every woman has equal access to ownership of land and control over land,” she urged. “Let us build a Sierra Leone where land is not a privilege but a fundamental right.”

Mahoi highlighted landmark reforms, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022), the Customary Land Rights Act (2022), and the National Land Commission Act, which collectively establish a strong legal foundation for gender equality in land governance. These laws, she noted, recognize women’s equal rights to land ownership, inheritance, and participation in decision‑making.

However, she cautioned that legislation alone is insufficient. “The gap between law and lived reality remains stubbornly wide,” she said, stressing the need for effective implementation and cultural transformation to ensure women benefit fully from these reforms.

The Minister also called for a review of Section 27(4)(d) of the Constitution, widely known as the “clawback clause,” which limits protections against discrimination in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property. She described the ongoing constitutional review as a historic opportunity to strengthen guarantees for women’s rights.

Mahoi urged communities to embrace positive cultural change that protects women’s rights and challenged stakeholders to translate policy discussions into measurable action.

The dialogue, organized by the 50/50 Group in partnership with Christian Aid, Green Scenery, WONES, NMJD, and other consortium partners under the theme “Uman, Land En Kol At Project”, was supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF). It brought together government officials, civil society, development partners, traditional authorities, and women’s groups to chart practical strategies for advancing women’s land rights.