Hon. Mabinty Fatmata Funna, a distinguished Member of Parliament from Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone, has been widely applauded for her impactful advocacy during the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) Extraordinary Session held in Lagos on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025.

At the event, the lawmaker took the spotlight as she addressed critical issues surrounding the ECOFEPA Action Plan.

She expressed concern over the lack of specific budget allocations, which could significantly hinder the progress of vital gender equity initiatives.

Additionally, she raised alarms about the tight implementation timeline, stressing that such limitations could undermine the effectiveness of the plan.

Her call for inclusive strategies, especially to engage young women and marginalized groups, resonated strongly with the attendees. Hon. Funna emphasized the importance of designing policies and strategies that ensure long-term sustainability, urging diverse and reliable funding sources to support the development of gender equality initiatives.

The session culminated in the adoption of a new constitution aimed at enhancing the empowerment of women across West Africa. Hon. Mabinty Funna’s passionate remarks and commitment to fostering women’s rights have solidified her reputation as a leading advocate for gender equity and effective governance.

Her participation in the ECOFEPA session marks another significant step in her mission to push for transformative reforms that improve the lives of women and marginalized communities across the region. As she continues to raise her voice for these important causes, her advocacy has sparked a renewed call for urgent reforms that will have a lasting impact on gender equality and women’s rights.

With Hon. Funna at the forefront, there is hope for a brighter future for women in West Africa.