By Joseph Momoh, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The SUNI Civil Society Alliance, spearheaded by the Children’s Advocacy Forum Sierra Leone (CAF-SL), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Workplace Lactation Room at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH). This facility aims to support working mothers, marking a significant advancement in gender nutrition and workplace inclusivity.
The ceremony, held on August 1, 2025, attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, UN representatives, and stakeholders from various sectors. This initiative is part of the SUNI Civil Society Alliance’s Workplace Lactation Program, designed to provide practical support for women balancing professional responsibilities with childcare.
Nenebah Jalloh, National Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition office of the Vice President, opened the event by highlighting the importance of this initiative as a “strategic investment in women’s health and productivity.” She emphasized the program’s alignment with Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing gender and nutrition disparities.
In her keynote address, Hon. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, praised the collaborative efforts of SUNI and CAF-SL. “This marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward gender-responsive policies and safeguarding women’s health,” she stated, while acknowledging the progress made in reducing maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone.
Despite improvements, the Minister noted that the country must continue to strive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She characterized lactation facilities as essential rather than optional, and announced plans for similar spaces in regional hospitals.
Mohamed Samura, Program Manager of CAF, elaborated on the project’s origins, which drew inspiration from Vietnam’s maternity protection policies. While advocating for six months of paid maternity leave remains a goal, the current focus is on ensuring effective implementation of existing policies.
“This initiative targets not only formal sectors but also informal workers in local markets and factories,” Samura explained. He revealed that the project is initially focused on institutions with at least 30 female employees due to budget constraints.
Millicent Alie from the Directorate of Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health commended the initiative for its effective implementation and encouraged beneficiaries to make full use of the facility. She acknowledged her predecessor’s role in laying the groundwork for this successful project.
Support from various stakeholders was evident, with the Ministry of Labour promising to enforce protective laws for lactating workers. The Chief Matron of PCMH assured that the facility would be maintained responsibly, while Dr. Sesay, Medical Superintendent of PCMH, encouraged staff to utilize the space, emphasizing its role in improving work-life balance.
UNICEF representatives highlighted the significance of breastfeeding, especially during World Breastfeeding Week, and reiterated that access to lactation rooms can enhance both child health and maternal well-being. Abdul K. Swaray, Director of the Children’s Advocacy Forum, reinforced the importance of creating breastfeeding-friendly environments across all sectors.
The event concluded with a skit by PCMH nurses, demonstrating the practical benefits of the lactation room. Minister Mahoi officially opened the facility, symbolizing a new era of support for working mothers in Sierra Leone.
As the nation prioritizes maternal and child health, this initiative is being celebrated as a crucial step toward fostering gender equality and empowering women in the workforce.
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