By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Morocco – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, recently participated in the inaugural African Forum of Children’s Parliament, a significant gathering of African leaders, international organizations, and youth parliamentarians, held under the esteemed patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.
The event, organized by the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, brought together child leaders from across the continent to focus on vital issues related to child protection, participation, and development.
In her address, Dr. Mahoi conveyed greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and praised Morocco’s enduring commitment to championing children’s rights. She reflected on the strong bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco, recalling a recent visit by a Moroccan delegation to Freetown.
Highlighting the impact of ONDE’s work over the past three decades, Dr. Mahoi noted that its model has inspired child participation initiatives in Sierra Leone. “It is fitting that this milestone brings together children from across Africa not as guests, but as partners in shaping continental priorities,” she said.
Dr. Mahoi emphasized Sierra Leone’s strides in child protection, particularly referencing the recent passage of the Child Rights Act 2025, which enhances legal safeguards and prioritizes child participation in governance. She also acknowledged the contribution of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN) in representing children’s voices nationwide and its role in national development.
The Minister outlined CFN’s involvement in shaping significant policies, including the Child Rights Act 2025, the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy, and frameworks addressing education, digital safety, disability inclusion, and child justice. She commended CFN’s advocacy work against gender-based violence, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, as well as its engagement in climate change initiatives, disaster risk reduction, and digital literacy.
“Children are not merely beneficiaries of development—they are co-creators of solutions and essential partners in progress,” Dr. Mahoi asserted. She concluded her speech with a call for enhanced continental collaboration to strengthen child protection systems and amplify the voices of children at all levels.
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