By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The U.S. Embassy in Freetown, in collaboration with U.S. Naval Forces Africa, hosted the inaugural African Maritime Gender Network (AMGN) Conference on “Gender Considerations in Maritime Security.” The opening ceremony of this landmark event took place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The two-day conference brought together maritime and security experts, policymakers and stakeholders from 19 African nations, the United States, Iceland and other allied countries. The agenda included comprehensive discussions on pivotal issues such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), gender impacts on international and maritime law, female participation in security sectors and the economic empowerment of women in the maritime industry.
In his opening remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt, highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity in the maritime sector and its relevance to global peace and security. He commended the Government of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for their support and commitment to advancing gender equality in maritime security.
Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt acknowledged Sierra Leone’s leadership in promoting inclusion and equality, particularly through its roles in the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. He emphasized the essential contributions of women across the security sector, particularly in peacebuilding, maritime law enforcement and resource management.
“Women play a vital role across the entirety of the security sector, contributing significantly to the stability, security and prosperity of our communities,” Ambassador Hunt stated. He highlighted examples of women’s leadership in peacebuilding in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan and their contributions to combating violent extremism in Nigeria and the Sahel region.
He also noted the United States’ strong belief in Sierra Leone’s ability to harness its marine resources for sustainable development and applauded President Julius Maada Bio’s efforts to enhance the Sierra Leone Navy’s capabilities.
The conference underscored the shared commitment of participating nations to the principles outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for the inclusion of women in peace and security efforts. Ambassador Bryan Hunt also recognized Sierra Leone’s progress in strengthening its maritime security framework through initiatives like the Obangame exercise in the Gulf of Guinea and training sessions conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“These technically based skills trainings will improve coordination and response capabilities during maritime incidents, increase accountability for illegal fishing and ensure the Sierra Leone Navy has the essential technical skills to maintain and operate maritime equipment effectively,” Ambassador Bryan Hunt remarked.
The AMGN conference served as a platform to explore the economic and social benefits of gender inclusivity in maritime operations. Discussions delved into ways to empower women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, addressing barriers to their participation and fostering environments that prioritize equality.
Ambassador Bryan Hunt concluded his address by urging attendees to leverage the conference to define what gender inclusivity means for the Gulf of Guinea and Africa as a whole. “Your contributions are invaluable and I am confident that the knowledge and experiences shared here will have a lasting impact on our collective efforts to promote gender inclusivity and maritime security,” he said.
The conference represents a step toward fostering sustainable and inclusive maritime security solutions. By addressing pressing issues like IUUF and empowering women in the maritime sector, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration among nations in achieving global peace, security and prosperity.
