By Abdul Kamara

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the Southern Region, Mr. Hindowa Buakai Bindi, has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to advancing gender equality, child protection, and social welfare across the nation.

Speaking during the Civic Day Series held in Bo and organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Bindi outlined key reforms and progress achieved under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. The two-day event brought together senior government officials, civil society groups, and community representatives to discuss governance, accountability, and national development priorities aimed at strengthening citizen engagement.

Highlighting the Ministry’s accomplishments, Mr. Bindi noted that the government has made remarkable progress in implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which guarantees a minimum 30 percent representation for women in public and political offices. He described the law as a landmark achievement that has inspired more women to take up leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to national decision-making.

Mr. Bindi also spoke about the government’s continued efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), a persistent issue affecting women and girls across the country. He said the Ministry has strengthened the operations of One-Stop Centers nationwide, where survivors can access medical, legal, and psychosocial support. He added that more social workers and police officers are being trained to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

On child protection, the Deputy Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives to address child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labor. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, traditional leaders, schools, and community organizations in creating safe spaces for children and ensuring that every child stays in school.

Mr. Bindi further pointed out that women’s empowerment remains a key pillar of the government’s development strategy. Through various programs offering microcredit and skills training, thousands of women have been able to build sustainable businesses and support their families, contributing to economic growth and stability.

In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Minister urged citizens to play an active role in national development by embracing civic responsibility and engaging constructively with government programs. He emphasized that transparency, accountability, and inclusion remain central to President Bio’s vision for a just and equitable society.

The Civic Day Series in Bo, which forms part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s ongoing public engagement initiative, was widely praised for fostering open dialogue between government officials and citizens. Participants described it as an important platform for strengthening trust, participation, and unity in Sierra Leone’s democratic process.