By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, Daily Scope
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley, Canada, organized a pivotal policy dialogue on “The Role of Policy in Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusive Education” at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The event aimed to stimulate national discussions on equity, education, and inclusive governance, attracting a diverse audience that included young people, civil society organizations, community leaders, government officials, and development partners. Its primary objectives were to influence public policy, raise awareness, and strengthen collaboration among government bodies, communities, and international partners to enhance gender equality and inclusive education in Sierra Leone.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, expressed gratitude to the University of the Fraser Valley for its ongoing partnership, emphasizing shared values between Sierra Leone and the institution. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all citizens.
A strong advocate for women’s and girls’ rights, Minister Bah reflected on the nation’s progress towards educational equity, condemning the previous ban on pregnant girls attending school, enacted after the Ebola outbreak, as “abhorrent” and “inconsistent with the country’s values.” He recounted his efforts to overturn this ban, highlighting the government’s dedication to ensuring every child’s right to education.
“Events like this demonstrate that change is not static—we continue to move forward,” Minister Bah stated. He praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in promoting radical inclusion, which has helped remove barriers to education for pregnant girls, children in rural areas, and individuals living with disabilities.
Despite the strides made, Minister Bah acknowledged that the journey toward gender equality is ongoing. He stressed the importance of continued engagement and advocacy to achieve lasting change, reiterating the government’s commitment to working with partners to build a more inclusive and equitable Sierra Leone.
The event concluded with a renewed call for policy reforms that support inclusive education and gender equality.
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