Rwanda – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Engagement, Chernoh Bah, expressed his excitement as he reunited with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai at the Women Deliver 2023 conference in Rwanda. The minister, attending the conference to discuss pressing issues surrounding women’s rights and empowerment, highlighted the progress made since Yousafzai’s powerful speech at the United Nations a decade ago.
Bah and Yousafzai shared a heartfelt moment of reflection, reminiscing on the transformative impact of Yousafzai’s words, which sparked a global movement advocating for girls’ education. The minister commended Yousafzai for her unwavering dedication and commitment to empowering young girls worldwide.
During their reunion, Bah and Yousafzai discussed their shared vision of promoting civic education and global citizenship in Sierra Leone and beyond. Recognizing the importance of education in driving social change, they pledged to collaborate on initiatives that would empower young people to become active participants in their communities.
Civic education, as emphasized by Bah, plays a crucial role in nurturing responsible citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities. By equipping individuals with knowledge about democratic processes, human rights, and civic engagement, societies can foster active participation and create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Thrilled to reconnect with the inimitable @Malala at the @WomenDeliver conference here in #Rwanda. Wonderful to reminisce on how far we have come since her powerful words stirred a global movement 10 years ago at the #UnitedNations. Excited that we can work together to promote… pic.twitter.com/2gn1WHFAkw
— Chernor Bah (@Cee_Bah) July 18, 2023
Additionally, Bah and Yousafzai underscored the significance of global citizenship in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. They emphasized the need for young people to develop a sense of interconnectedness and empathy towards others, transcending national boundaries to work collectively towards a better world.
Sierra Leone, a country that has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including civil war and the Ebola outbreak, is making significant strides in promoting education and empowering its youth. The partnership between Bah and Yousafzai aims to build upon these efforts, leveraging their collective influence to inspire positive change.
As the Women Deliver 2023 conference continues, Bah and Yousafzai’s commitment to civic education and global citizenship serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals and organizations to prioritize empowering young people and fostering a more just and equitable society.
Their collaboration holds the promise of transforming lives, breaking down barriers, and creating a world where every individual, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
As the conference progresses, the world eagerly anticipates the outcomes of this partnership and the ripple effect it will have on Sierra Leone and beyond.
