Sierra Leone elevates education as a critical path to justice for women and girls

Hon. Dr Isata Mahoi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, used a prominent platform at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York to make a compelling case for education as the foundation of justice, equality, and empowerment for women and girls. Dr Mahoi addressed global partners and delegates at a side event hosted by Ireland’s Permanent Mission on March 11, 2026, arguing that when girls are educated, they gain the knowledge, confidence, and voice needed to claim their rights, confront injustice, and actively shape the future of their communities.
Dr Mahoi outlined a series of national initiatives aimed at putting that principle into action. She highlighted the Free Quality School Education Programme, expanded scholarship opportunities for girls, and strengthened policies aimed at ensuring safe, inclusive, and child-friendly educational environments. The Minister also cited recent legislative reforms, specifically the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022), the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024), and the Child Rights Act (2025), as critical legal foundations that help dismantle structural barriers that prevent girls from attending school.
At the same time, Dr Mahoi acknowledged that significant barriers still exist. She highlighted ongoing challenges such as early and forced marriage, harmful traditional practices, and unequal access to financial, material, and social resources that continue to jeopardise girls’ chances for a continuous education. She emphasised that laws alone are insufficient and called for long-term investment, targeted programming, and community-level change to turn legal gains into everyday realities for Sierra Leonean girls.
The Minister called for a coordinated response from governments, development partners, civil society, and community leaders to reinforce education as a protective and empowering pathway. She emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in keeping schools safe, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of girls, as well as Sierra Leone’s commitment to working with international allies to accelerate progress.
“When we educate girls, we strengthen families, communities, and nations,” Dr Mahoi stated, concluding with a clear appeal to stakeholders to step up their efforts so that no girl is left behind and education becomes a genuine path to justice and empowerment for women and girls everywhere.