On Wednesday, Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, graced the official unveiling of the Adolescent Girls and Young Women Haven, a landmark initiative by the Girls Advocacy and Development Network (GADNET-SL). The ceremony, held at Mudgefarm, Aberdeen, marks a significant step toward providing a safe and transformative space for girls and young women facing the impacts of social issues such as child marriage, rape, teenage pregnancy, and other psychosocial traumas.
In her keynote address, Dr. Mahoi commended GADNET-SL for establishing the haven on time, which she described as a beacon of hope for survivors. She lauded the initiative as a vital tool in addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable young women, providing them with an environment to heal and rebuild their lives with dignity. “The unimaginable hardships endured by young women require not only support but a lifeline, and this haven offers them the space to recover, grow, and dream of a brighter future,” Dr Maho
i said.
Key stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), CARE International, Save the Children, the British High Commission, Rainbow Initiative, Goal Sierra Leone, the Family Support Unit (FSU), ActionAid, and the Legal Aid Board, all of whom pledged their support for the initiative.
The GADNET Haven will offer comprehensive services, including mental health support, educational programs, digital literacy, vocational training, and wellness services. A dedicated team of professionals will work to provide survivors with the necessary tools and guidance to rebuild their lives and improve their socio-economic prospects.
During her speech, Dr Mahoi highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of women and girls, reflecting on her ministry’s significant role in formulating policies that promote gender equality and protect against sexual violence. She referenced key legislative frameworks, such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (
GEWE) Act of 2022 and the Sexual Offences Act of 2019, guiding the ministry’s efforts to streamline protection and prevention mechanisms for women and girls.
She also spoke about the ministry’s SGBV Strategy Response, which offers a structural approach to addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), ensuring that victims receive the necessary psychosocial support, including counseling and rehabilitation.
Dr. Mahoi called for continuous mentorship for adolescent girls, recognizing the role of guidance and support in their rehabilitation journey. She emphasized that the GADNET Haven will serve as a critical support system, ensuring that these young women do not walk their path alone. “This haven will not only change the lives of individual girls and young women but will also have a ripple effect throughout the community,” she remarked, stressing the potential for female empowerment to uplift entire communities.
In her closing remarks, Dr Mahoi linked the initiative to broader global and national effor
ts, particularly highlighting its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 3 on health and well-being. She also applauded President Julius Maada Bio’s continued support of gender equality initiatives.
The minister expressed gratitude to the representatives from various organizations at the event, acknowledging their collaboration in supporting this crucial initiative, which she believes will significantly contribute to Sierra Leone’s development and progress.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency