By Temitope Egunjobi
Freetown, 8th March 2026– Sierra Leone joined the world in commemorating International Women’s Day with a powerful event at the Freetown City Council, themed “Rights. Justice. Action – For ALL Women and Girls.” The celebration, aligned with the United Nations’ global observance, spotlighted leadership, women’s rights, and the urgent need for continued progress.
Mahawa Koroma, representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, underscored the collective responsibility in advancing gender equality. “Rights, justice, and action are not just words, but urgent responsibilities,” she declared, noting Sierra Leone’s strides while acknowledging persistent barriers faced by women and girls.
Koroma emphasized that access to education and sexual and reproductive health remains a matter of dignity and justice. She revealed that the Ministry has introduced a comprehensive curriculum to teach consent, prevent early pregnancies, and challenge harmful gender norms. “Education remains our most powerful tool for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights,” she affirmed.
From the Ministry of Health, Ms. Cole highlighted the stark realities of adolescent pregnancy. “About 22% of pregnant women are adolescents – one out of five – with their education interrupted and health at risk,” she said, stressing the need for inclusive healthcare services as a cornerstone of national development.
The event also celebrated women’s economic empowerment. Mrs. Matilda Ekua Tawiah, a champion of women’s entrepreneurship, spoke passionately about the transformative power of skills development. She encouraged women to embrace vocational and creative skills such as fashion, hairstyling, and makeup artistry, alongside digital skills like social media and content creation. “Skills training can turn ideas into businesses, create jobs, and foster innovation,” she said, urging women to be bold, confident, and to build their own brands.
The day’s reflections served as both a celebration of progress and a rallying cry for action. Sierra Leone’s leaders and advocates made clear that the fight for women’s rights is far from over, but with education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship at the forefront, the vision of a future where all women and girls thrive is within reach.
