By Davida Spaine Solomon
Freetown, 10th March 2026- Government officials, development partners, civil society groups and women leaders gathered for a national dialogue aimed at strengthening women’s agency, inclusion and leadership in Sierra Leone, as preparations begin for the country’s upcoming National Women’s Conference.
The dialogue, convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, created a platform for stakeholders to discuss key priorities affecting women and to help shape the agenda for the conference expected later this year.
Welcoming participants, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs described the dialogue as an important moment for women and stakeholders to collectively determine the direction of the women’s movement in Sierra Leone. She noted that the discussions would help guide the planning process and ensure that the conference responds to the real challenges facing women across the country.
In his keynote address, the Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to moving beyond promises to concrete actions that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. He commended the Minister and her team for their leadership in organizing the national consultation and pushing forward preparations for the conference.
He pointed out that while Sierra Leone has achieved the 30 percent quota for women’s representation in Parliament under the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, more work remains to ensure women have real influence in decision-making spaces.
According to him, increasing women’s representation must go hand in hand with strengthening their agency and leadership across all sectors of society.
The Vice President also acknowledged the vital role women play in driving the country’s economy, while noting that many still face barriers that limit their opportunities and wellbeing.
He referenced the government’s “300 Days Campaign,” an initiative aimed at accelerating efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths, as part of broader efforts to improve the health and welfare of women and families nationwide.
He further disclosed that steps are underway to establish Sierra Leone’s first women-focused financial institution, Kombra Bank, envisioned as a bank run by women for women, with investment support already secured from partners including Vista Bank.
The national dialogue forms part of a wider consultation process leading up to the National Women’s Conference, which organizers say will bring together diverse voices to reflect on the realities facing women and outline practical steps to improve their lives.
Participants expressed hope that the conference will not only generate discussions but also produce clear actions that translate into meaningful change for women and girls across Sierra Leone.
