The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) in partnership with UN Women, has officially launched the Gender Accountability Framework. This significant initiative was unveiled alongside the 2025 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022. The launch marks a key step in strengthening the nation's commitment to gender equality and women's rights. Dr. Isata Mahoi, Hon. Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, showed the importance of this legislative bedrock, stating that the GEWE Act 2022 is "one of Sierra Leone’s most transformative pieces of legislation." Dr. Mahoi further elaborated on the practical implications of the newly introduced tools, adding that the framework and report offer "important tools for strengthening transparency, coordination and accountability in the implementation of our commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment." This full approach aims to ensure that the legislative gains translate into tangible progress for women across the country.
Key Legislation and Framework Goals
The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022 represents a significant legislative milestone for Sierra Leone, having been enacted to address long-standing disparities. Dr. Isata Mahoi, Hon. Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, reiterated its transformative nature, stating that the GEWE Act 2022 is "one of Sierra Leone’s most transformative pieces of legislation." The newly introduced Gender Accountability Framework supports the practical implementation, ongoing monitoring, and full reporting of commitments stemming not only from the GEWE Act 2023 but also from the GEWE Policy 2020 and the broader Sustainable Development Goals. This integrated approach aims to ensure consistent progress and transparency in gender equality initiatives across the nation, providing a strong mechanism for tracking achievements and identifying areas for further action. By encompassing these key policy and legislative instruments, the framework ensures a holistic and coordinated effort towards achieving gender parity.
Progress and Support for Initiatives
Significant progress has been recorded across all 12 critical areas of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action since the commencement of President Julius Maada Bio's presidency in 2018. This sustained focus on gender issues has culminated in landmark legislative interventions. President Bio stated that "The GEWE Act 2022 represents a landmark legislative intervention to address long-standing gender inequalities and create greater opportunities for women to participate in leadership, governance, employment and economic activities." The initiative received support from several international partners, noting the collaborative effort required for such widespread change. The World Bank, the Government of Ireland, and the Government of Iceland all contributed to its implementation, providing essential resources and expertise to bolster Sierra Leone's efforts in advancing women's rights. This international backing shows the global recognition of the importance of these reforms.
Statements on Accountability and Action
The launch event served as a critical platform for strategic discussions and planning. It facilitated an examination of the findings presented in the 2025 Annual Report, offering a data-driven overview of current progress and challenges. Discussions at the event focused on identifying key implementation priorities for the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022, ensuring that future actions are targeted and effective. Participants also worked to strengthen collective action, aiming for effective implementation of the Act through enhanced collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. This gathering showed a profound commitment to transparency and coordinated efforts in advancing women's rights and gender equality across Sierra Leone. The framework and report are intended to serve as foundational tools for ongoing monitoring and accountability in this critical area, providing a clear roadmap for sustained progress and ensuring that commitments are met with concrete actions.