𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒉𝒐𝒊 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝑼𝑺 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕

Minister @IsataMahoi took center stage at the @USEmbFreetown event, participating as a panelist alongside esteemed figures like Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield @USAmbUN and gender advocate Mitchell Sesay. The event, focusing on Women Inclusion in Leadership, saw Minister Mahoi sharing her remarkable journey, emphasizing the importance of women’s voices in leadership roles. In her impassioned address, Minister Mahoi underscored the need for women to identify challenges and seek mentorship opportunities to strengthen their leadership prowess. Defying stereotypes and overcoming societal barriers, she urged women to assert themselves confidently, stating, “Keep telling yourself: ‘I can do it.'” Reflecting on tangible progress, Minister Mahoi highlighted the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, noting the increase in women’s representation in parliament and cabinet positions. She outlined the ministry’s proactive steps, including the establishment of a dedicated secretariat and collaboration with UN Women to ensure accountability and meet the 30% quota threshold. Advocating for gender parity across all sectors, Minister Mahoi stressed the importance of data collation and annual reporting to track progress and address existing gaps. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving change resonated throughout the event, inspiring attendees to champion women’s leadership in #SierraLeone. @asmaakjames

U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone UN Women UNFPA Sierra Leone