By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
State Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown, February 18, 2026 President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone welcomed Dr. Maxime Houinato, the UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, during a courtesy visit aimed at reinforcing the agency’s commitment to the country’s gender reform initiatives.
Dr. Houinato’s six-day visit focuses on bolstering high-level partnerships to advance gender equality and women’s rights in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, introduced the delegation, highlighting their visit as a recognition of President Bio’s unwavering leadership and support for women and girls.
During the meeting, Dr. Houinato lauded Sierra Leone’s significant strides under President Bio’s administration, particularly the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Gender Accountability Framework. He described these legislative achievements as crucial reforms with both regional and global implications and praised the robust collaboration between the Sierra Leonean government and UN Women.
In response, President Bio expressed gratitude for the support from UN Women, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to empowering women through its Human Capital Development agenda. He highlighted advancements in girls’ education, improved academic performance, the inclusion of pregnant students in schools, and initiatives to promote STEM education for women in universities.
The President further assured Dr. Houinato of his government’s steadfast commitment to fully implementing the GEWE Act and incorporating gender considerations in the ongoing constitutional review process.
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