BO, Sierra Leone, April 15, 2024 - In a joint effort to accelerate results on ending child marriage and promoting gender equality, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held a  Gender Transformative Accelerator workshop in Bo district from April 15th to 19th. The workshop was aimed at boosting gender-transformative approaches in preventing and ending child, early, and forced marriages, as part of Phase III of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from across Sierra Leone to evaluate existing programmes to end child marriage and devise strategies for a more effective gender-transformative approach. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and shared insights on addressing the root causes of gender inequalities, and developed strategies to challenge harmful social and gender norms and promote positive norms and practices.  

Betty Alpha, UNFPA Gender Specialist, summed up the workshop's goal, stating, "We want to create a world where every girl can reach her potential." Neha Naidu, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, urged participants to continue working tirelessly towards ending child marriage and ensuring every child's right to a safe and empowered future.

Participants emphasized the importance of including young voices in efforts to end child marriage. Kadijah Posuwa, representing the UNICEF Youth Advisory Group, stressed the need to empower girls through education, and highlighted plans to target parents, especially fathers, in community outreach.

Mrs. Mariatu Bangura, Chief Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Social Welfare, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for women and girls to have control over their own bodies and for services to be more gender-inclusive. "Engaging all parts of society is important," she stated, outlining plans to incorporate workshop insights into the  Ministry’s programmes.

Dr. Olive Musa, Director of Non-Formal Education at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, highlighted Sierra Leone’s journey in promoting inclusive education and underscored that "understanding gender dynamics is key to achieving positive results." The workshop not only sparked discussion but also provided clear paths for action. The five days culminated in the development of a roadmap for strengthening and scaling up gender transformative approaches under the Global Programme to End Child Marriage. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform future policies and programmes, guiding efforts to accelerate progress towards ending child marriage and advancing gender equality in Sierra Leone. 

Media contacts: Islander Kabia | Communications Unit | UNFPA Sierra Leone | ikabia@unfpa.org