His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday 18 February 2026 received the Regional Director of UN Women for West and Central Africa, Dr Maxime Houinato, in a high-level courtesy call focused on advancing gender equality and consolidating Sierra Leone’s ongoing reforms in women’s empowerment at State Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown.
Dr. Maxime Houinato’s six-day visit to Sierra Leone is aimed at deepening strategic partnerships, reinforcing institutional collaboration and accelerating progress on gender equality initiatives, including the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the integration of gender considerations into the constitutional review process.
Introducing the UN Women delegation at State Lodge, the Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, described the visit as a clear demonstration of appreciation for President Bio’s leadership in championing the rights of women and girls. He noted that Sierra Leone’s reform trajectory has drawn regional and international recognition, particularly in the area of legislative transformation.
Dr. Maxime Houinato commended the Government of Sierra Leone for what he described as “landmark achievements” under President Bio’s administration. He specifically referenced the enactment of the GEWE Act and the establishment of the Gender Accountability Framework, describing both as transformative measures with far-reaching regional and global significance.
The UN Women Regional Director highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a model for gender-responsive governance in West and Central Africa. He underscored the importance of sustained political will, strong institutional frameworks and continued collaboration between Government and development partners in maintaining reform momentum.
Dr. Maxime Houinato further reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting the Government in fully implementing the GEWE Act and strengthening systems that promote women’s participation in leadership, governance and economic empowerment. He emphasized that continued partnership would be essential in ensuring that policy gains translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.
Responding, President Julius Maada Bio expressed appreciation for UN Women’s consistent partnership and technical support. He reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to gender equality as a central pillar of the Human Capital Development agenda.
The President outlined key progress made under his Government, including expanded access to education for girls, improved national examination outcomes, the policy of allowing pregnant girls to continue their schooling and enhanced opportunities for female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes at tertiary institutions.
President Bio assured the delegation that his Government remains resolute in ensuring the full implementation of the GEWE Act. He also emphasized that gender priorities will be mainstreamed into the ongoing constitutional reform process, reinforcing legal and institutional safeguards for women’s rights.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, strengthen accountability mechanisms and sustain progress toward inclusive governance and equitable development across Sierra Leone.
