SUNI Alliance Opens Lactation Room for Working Mothers

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SUNI Alliance Opens Lactation Room for Working Mothers
SUNI Alliance Opens Lactation Room for Working Mothers

Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Scaling Up Nutrition and Immunization (SUNI) Civil Society Alliance, led by the Children’s Advocacy Forum Sierra Leone (CAF-SL), has officially handed over a newly established Workplace Lactation Room at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) in Freetown, marking a major step toward closing the gender nutrition gap and supporting working mothers.

The handing-over ceremony, held at the PCMH Conference Hall on Friday 1st August 2025, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, the donor community, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

The initiative forms part of the Workplace Lactation Program piloted by the SUNI Civil Society Alliance, aimed at providing practical support to female workers juggling professional duties and childcare responsibilities.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the event Nenebah Jalloh National Coordinator Scalingup Nutrition office of the vice president, described the initiative as a “practical and strategic investment in the health and productivity of women in the workforce,” particularly those navigating the dual roles of work and motherhood. She emphasized that the lactation program aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader national commitment to closing the gender and nutrition gaps.

The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Isata Mahoi, who commended SUNI and the Children’s Advocacy Forum for their leadership. “This is more than the commissioning of a physical space it is a milestone in our collective journey toward gender-responsive programming, safeguarding women’s health, and closing nutrition gaps,” she noted.

The Minister cited progress in maternal health, revealing that maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone had dropped from over 600 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008 to 443 by 2020. Despite these gains, she acknowledged that the country still has a long way to go to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target by 2030. “Facilities like these are not luxuries they are necessities,” she emphasized, adding that similar lactation spaces are now being established in regional hospitals with government backing.

Mohamed Samura, Program Manager of the Children’s Advocacy Forum and a member of the SUNI Civil Society Alliance, provided a comprehensive overview of the project. He explained that the idea was informed by a learning exchange with Vietnam, where maternity protection policies allow for six months of paid maternity leave and the establishment of workplace lactation facilities.

Samura disclosed that while efforts to advocate for six months of maternity leave in Sierra Leone are still ongoing, the focus for now is on monitoring the effectiveness of existing paid leave policies.

“This project is not limited to the formal sector. It will also target female workers in informal settings like local markets, factories etc. He said

The banks will be targeted at private sector level” The need for the establishment of workplace lactation facilities in Parliament was also emphasized.

He added that due to funding limitations, the project is initially being implemented in institutions with at least 30 female employees. “We chose to prioritize practical and impactful materials that would bring immediate benefit to working women,” he said.

Milicent Alie from the Directorate of Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation said the initiative has been well adopted and effectively implemented in Sierra Leone. She urged beneficiaries to make good use of the facility and to utilize it responsibly.

Alie also praised her predecessor for supporting the initiative and laying a strong foundation, which she is now building upon. She noted that the Directorate, which has been a pillar in food and nutrition, has worked assiduously to bring the initiative to fruition.

She expressed gratitude to SUNI and all its partners for making the initiative a reality and expressed hope that the strength and enthusiasm demonstrated will help replicate this success in other sectors.

Other key stakeholders present voiced their support for the initiative. The Ministry of Labour pledged to enforce laws that protect lactating female workers, while the Directorate of Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health praised the project as one that aligns with government priorities and promised further support for expansion.

The Chief Matron of PCMH expressed gratitude for the facility and assured it would be maintained and utilized appropriately. Dr. Sesay, Medical Superintendent of PCMH, encouraged staff to use the space effectively, noting that it would minimize work disruption and provide a safe, dignified environment for both mothers and their infants.

UNICEF representatives also underscored the importance of breastfeeding, particularly during World Breastfeeding Week, emphasizing that access to lactation rooms helps improve child health outcomes and maternal well-being.

Abdul K. Swaray, Director of the Children’s Advocacy Forum and a member of the SUNI Steering Committee, emphasized the vital role of breastfeeding, particularly as the event coincided with World Breastfeeding Week.

He reiterated that the Workplace Lactation Program is a flagship project focused on promoting breastfeeding and maternal health. “This facility represents a shared vision where women can thrive both professionally and personally,” he said.

He added that many women are forced to choose between their jobs and breastfeeding due to the lack of such facilities, which can contribute to malnutrition and emotional stress. “This initiative is a game changer. It sends a message that women’s health and children’s nutrition are priorities, not afterthoughts,” Swaray stressed.

He reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to ensuring that breastfeeding-friendly environments are created not only in hospitals but also in public spaces where women work, highlighting that breastfeeding is not just a health issue but a human rights and development issue.

The event climaxed with a short skit performed by PCMH nurses, showcasing the practical use and significance of the lactation room. The program ended with the official opening and inspection of the facility by Minister Isata Mahoi, marking a new chapter in workplace inclusivity and support for mothers in Sierra Leone.

As the nation continues to prioritize maternal and child health, this initiative is being hailed as a step forward in fostering gender equality, improving nutrition, and empowering women in the workforce.

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