By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has underscored the vital role of women in sustaining peace and advancing national development, while calling for increased investment in peacebuilding initiatives across Sierra Leone.
She made the remarks during the commemoration of Peacebuilding Week and the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UN PBF @20), held on 22nd June 2026. The event brought together Government officials, development partners, Civil Society Organizations, peace actors and other stakeholders to reflect on two decades of peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone.
Addressing participants, Dr. Isata Mahoi highlighted the significant contributions women have made in promoting peace, reconciliation and post-war recovery in Sierra Leone and across the African continent. She noted that women’s leadership, resilience and commitment to community rebuilding have been instrumental in fostering social cohesion and creating more inclusive and peaceful societies.
The Minister reflected on the major legal and policy reforms introduced during and after Sierra Leone’s civil war, which have contributed to improving the status of women and strengthening their rights. She emphasized that those reforms have enhanced gender equality, increased women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes and improved access to justice for survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
According to Dr. Isata Mahoi, those achievements were made possible through sustained advocacy, strong political commitment and the collective efforts of Government institutions, Civil Society Organizations, development partners and women across the country.
She called for stronger collaboration among Government agencies, development partners, Civil Society groups and citizens to ensure that peace continues to be nurtured and strengthened nationwide. The Minister stressed that lasting peace remains essential for women and children to thrive and realize their full potential.
Dr. Isata Mahoi also advocated for increased funding and investment in peacebuilding programmes, particularly through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. She emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion, conflict prevention, gender equality and community resilience.
The Gender Minister further urged Sierra Leoneans to contribute actively to national development through peaceful dialogue, constructive engagement and collective action. She noted that sustainable development can only flourish in an environment characterized by peace, unity and mutual respect.
The Peacebuilding Week and UN PBF @20 celebrations served as an important platform for stakeholders to reflect on the gains achieved over the past two decades while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and advancing inclusive development for all Sierra Leoneans.
