On September 29, 2026, Guinea celebrated its national independence day with a unique event. The Ministry of Women, Family and Solidarity organized an intergenerational panel discussion. The theme was "Drawing inspiration from the past to build a better future together: our youth." The event brought together pioneering women, young people, and government officials. The goal was to promote dialogue between generations and highlight the achievements of women who have shaped Guinea's history.
The panel discussion was opened by Minister of Women, Family and Solidarity, Aminata Kaba. She welcomed the pioneering women and emphasized the importance of their experiences for young generations. Kaba stated that the event aimed to inspire youth and encourage them to take an active role in shaping Guinea's future. She encouraged young people to express their concerns and ambitions, emphasizing that their energy, creativity, and commitment were crucial for building a better future.
Minister Kaba outlined the day's program, which included an exhibition showcasing the journeys of Guinean pioneering women. The exhibition was followed by a dialogue session between generations, allowing experiences to meet aspirations. The day concluded with a solemn recognition ceremony, where the nation honored women whose contributions deserved celebration and recognition. Kaba also broadened the definition of "pioneer," emphasizing that it applied to women of all ages who had made a positive impact.
One of the panelists was General M'Mahawa Sylla, the governor of Conakry and the first woman in Guinea to attain the rank of general. She shared her experience with young people, advising them to believe in themselves, persevere, and seize opportunities. Sylla emphasized that the journey to success was often challenging, but with determination and hard work, young people could overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Another panelist was Commissioner Divisionnaire Marie Gomez, Director-General of the Office for the Protection of Gender, Childhood, and Morals (OPROGEM). She shared her story, explaining her decision to join the national police and highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable people and respecting legal procedures. Gomez encouraged young women and girls who had been victims of crimes to report to competent services and seek justice.
The event also provided an opportunity for young people to share their perspectives. M'boh Mariama Kourouma, a 12-year-old participant, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating that if one believed in themselves, they could always achieve their goals. The panel discussion demonstrated the importance of intergenerational dialogue and knowledge sharing in inspiring and empowering young people.
The intergenerational panel discussion was a significant event in Guinea's celebration of its national independence day. It highlighted the achievements of pioneering women and provided a platform for young people to engage with role models and learn from their experiences. The event demonstrated the government's commitment to promoting women's empowerment and inspiring young people to take an active role in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- The Guinean government organized an intergenerational panel discussion to inspire youth with stories of pioneering women.
- The event aimed to promote dialogue between generations and highlight the achievements of women who have shaped Guinea's history.
- Panelists shared their experiences, advising young people to believe in themselves, persevere, and seize opportunities to achieve their goals.
