The Parliamentary Committee on Gender and Children’s Affairs, chaired by Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie of Bombali District, on Wednesday September 17, 2025, engaged the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs as part of its oversight mandate.

In her opening remarks, Hon. Tarawallie presented findings from the committee’s recent oversight visits across the country.

She emphasized that the engagement was not intended to witch-hunt the ministry, but rather to obtain first-hand information and highlight the pressing challenges facing the sector.

According to her, the committee visited several one-stop centers in Kailahun, Moyamba, Port Loko, Koinadugu, and the Western Area (Connaught/Kingtom Hospital), as well as Rainbo Centers in Kenema, Bo, Makeni, and Freetown (Cottage Hospital).

Among the challenges identified includes; the

National Children’s Commission (NCC) reported to be on the verge of collapse due to inadequate funding. Basic needs such as electricity, printers, and operational resources remain unmet. Commissioners were said to be largely inactive except when supported by international partners.

Koinadugu & Moyamba One-Stop Centers: Severe logistical constraints, including lack of transportation, fuel and supplies. Family Support Unit officers cannot operate effectively due to limited resources, and staff often used personal funds to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The challenging terrain further hampers response capacity.

Kailahun One-stop Center: Performing relatively better, something they said is due to strong support from Save the Children and collaboration with local chiefs and the District Council Chairman. Community involvement ensures timely referral of victims.

Port Loko One-stop Center: Struggles with political interference, undermining effective service delivery.

Rainbo Centers: Provide counseling and referral services but lack the legal authority and enforcement capacity of one-stop centers.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Permanent Secretary Madam Aminata Sannoh welcomed the committee and expressed appreciation for the timely oversight visits.

She underscored the importance of collaboration between Parliament and the Ministry, stressing that such partnership is in the best interest of Sierra Leone’s children.

Madam Sannoh outlined the mandate and vision of the ministry, which is to build a Sierra Leone where the rights and dignity of women and children are fully protected. She noted that the ministry works to promote equality, review laws and policies, and strengthen interventions around women’s rights, child welfare, justice, and protection.

She acknowledged several of the challenges raised by the committee, including lack of logistics, under-staffing, and financial constraints.

Committee members, however, raised strong concerns about the deteriorating state of the National Children’s Commission and the weak support for one-stop centers, stressing that these threaten the national SGBV response system.

“Budget constraints remain a major barrier, but deliberate action must be taken to rescue these institutions,” Members of Parliament urged.

The committee resolved to take a clear position on sustaining the Children’s Commission and strengthening one-stop centers as Parliament resumes its budget debates in October.