The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, hosted “The Future of Peace and National Cohesion Townhall” at Brookfields Hotel. The event focused on the critical role of women in promoting peace and national unity, particularly in light of the country’s history of civil war and violence over the past two decades.
The town hall featured distinguished speakers, including Chief Minister David Moina Sengeh, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Mrs. Isata Mahoi, Hon. Daniel Koroma, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, and feminist activist Josephine Kamara. The Chief Minister emphasized three key themes in his address: “The Future of Peace,” “The Role of Women in Peacebuilding,” and “Visions for a Culture of Peace.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to including women in the Human Capital Investment initiative as a foundation for sustainable peace. According to the Chief Minister, true peace cannot be achieved without “radical inclusion,” stressing the importa
nce of women’s voices and participation in national decision-making processes.
Minister Sengeh also highlighted the abolition of corporal punishment in schools and the ongoing fight against violence against women. He urged civil society, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and other institutions to effectively carry out their responsibilities to ensure a peaceful society. He stressed that including women and children in governance and socio-economic development is vital for lasting peace.
Feminist activist Josephine Kamara spoke passionately about the “culture of peace” in Sierra Leone, asserting that peace is not merely the absence of war but requires social interaction, cultural understanding, and political agreements. She emphasized that women and children are often the primary victims of war and violence, with sexual violence against women being a significant barrier to peace. Josephine argued that both physical and sexual violence against women must be recognized as fundamental breaches of
peace.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, reflected on the historical advocacy for women’s rights, recalling efforts from 1991-1992 and later resolutions on peace processes and women’s participation in governance. She highlighted the importance of the National Action Plan in advancing gender equality and the need for more vital institutional collaboration to address gender-based violence. Minister Mahoi called for a change in mindset towards gender inclusivity and the full implementation of laws addressing gender-based violence.
The town hall also provided a platform for citizens to voice their concerns. One of the standout questions came from a woman who asked how the government plans to address the intimidation and violence faced by journalists, particularly female journalists, in their line of work. The discussion underscored that true peace requires freedom from political confrontation and the ability to operate without fear.
Participants called for similar town hall meetings i
n rural and local communities to raise awareness about the importance of peace and national cohesion. The event concluded with panel discussions and recommendations, focusing on revamping weak institutions and fully implementing gender-based laws. Minister Mahoi, in her closing remarks, announced the upcoming launch of the Girls’ Child Rights initiative, emphasizing the importance of seizing this moment to advance the rights and dignity of women and girls in Sierra Leone.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency