Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, has joined African leaders, international organizations, and young parliamentarians at the 1st African Forum of Children’s Parliament, held under the distinguished patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.
The event, hosted by the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, brings together child leaders from across Africa to discuss priorities in child protection, participation, and development.
In her address, Dr. Mahoi conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and commended Morocco for its long-standing dedication to advancing children’s rights. She also referenced the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, recalling the recent visit of a Moroccan delegation to Freetown.
Dr. Mahoi praised ONDE’s three decades of impactful work in elevating children’s participation in national development, noting that its model has inspired many African nations, including Sierra Leone. “It is fitting that this milestone brings together children from across Africa not as guests, but as partners in shaping continental priorities,” she said.
The Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant progress in strengthening child protection, particularly through the Child Rights Act 2025, passed by Parliament on 3rd July 2025. The legislation expands legal safeguards and reinforces child participation as a central pillar of governance. She also underscored the role of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), the country’s leading child-led structure representing the voices of children nationwide.
Dr. Mahoi detailed CFN’s contributions to national development, including input into major policies such as the Child Rights Act 2025, the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy, the Radical Inclusion Policy, the Alternative Care Policy, and frameworks on education, digital safety, disability inclusion, and child justice.
She acknowledged CFN’s efforts in advocating against gender-based violence, child marriage, harmful practices, and teenage pregnancy, as well as its involvement in climate change campaigns, disaster risk reduction, clean energy sensitization, digital literacy, and online safety initiatives. The Network also continues to lead community outreach and peer-support engagements across districts.
Emphasizing the central role of children in shaping Africa’s future, Dr. Mahoi noted, “Children are not merely beneficiaries of development—they are co-creators of solutions and essential partners in progress.” She added, “By empowering our children, we strengthen governance. By listening to their voices, we improve our policies. By supporting their leadership, we secure our collective future.”
She concluded by calling for stronger continental cooperation to enhance child protection systems and amplify children’s voices at all levels.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
