By Kadiatu Sankoh
Freetown, June 20, 2025
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), in collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley, Canada, convened a pivotal event at the Miatta Conference Centre to champion gender equality and inclusive education in Sierra Leone. The conference brought together government officials, activists, educators, youths and international partners to strengthen commitments and explore actionable policies.
Mr. Timothy Sam of MoICE opened the gathering, emphasizing the event’s goal to foster public engagement and advance policies that promote gender equality and radical inclusion, particularly for girls, pregnant girls and persons with disabilities.
Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of MoICE, praised the Bio government’s transformative efforts, stating, “You can change your mind when confronted with the facts.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to radical inclusion and urged stakeholders to sustain momentum.
Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups and called for collaborative action to meet Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5. “True inclusion demands a shift, and we must continue to challenge deep-rooted myths with our multifaceted approach,” she said.
Catherine Liao from the University of the Fraser Valley presented the Canada-supported project, focusing on the inclusion of children and adolescents with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, health dialogues and knowledge sharing.
Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, announced plans for a new Technical and Higher Education Act to redesign systems for equity and accessibility. She stressed, “Policy is not just a paper, but it is of power, and there must be targeted budget lines to reach these policy goals.”
The panel discussion featured voices from disability rights activists, researchers and education officials, who shared progress and challenges. Notably, efforts to improve infrastructure accessibility and curriculum inclusivity were highlighted.
Youth representation was strong with calls for continued free quality education and radical inclusion under existing laws.
The event concluded with a spirited performance by artist Slim Peezee and a national pledge marking a renewed commitment to inclusive education and gender equality in Sierra Leone.