Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs, Isata Jabbie Kabbah, has called on traditional leaders, religious authorities, parents, and communities across Sierra Leone to strengthen efforts to protect girls, promote their education, and address gender-based violence. She made the call during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education's Civic Day Series in Koinadugu District on November 3, 2026. Madam Kabbah emphasized that educating girls benefits not only individual families but also communities and the country as a whole.
Madam Kabbah urged parents and community stakeholders to take greater responsibility for creating safe environments where girls can grow, learn, and pursue their ambitions. She stressed that community leaders have a responsibility to shape public attitudes, raise awareness, and ensure that people understand their obligations under the law. According to her, educating girls would help prepare a generation capable of contributing to the country in different professional fields and leadership positions.
Madam Kabbah highlighted the importance of proper enforcement of the law against perpetrators of rape and physical abuse. She called on Paramount Chiefs and other traditional leaders not to protect perpetrators or resolve serious cases of abuse through informal community settlements. She also urged religious leaders to use their influence and platforms to speak out against rape, physical violence, and child marriage.
The Presidential Adviser emphasized the importance of policies and legislative measures designed to increase women's representation in decision-making institutions. She referenced the 30 percent quota for women's representation and called for sustained commitment to ensuring that women have meaningful opportunities to participate in leadership. Madam Kabbah argued that women's representation should not be limited by political party affiliations.
Madam Kabbah called for laws and policies relating to women and girls to be translated into local languages so that communities can better understand their rights and responsibilities. She said public education was essential to ensuring that legal protections were understood beyond formal institutions and became part of everyday community awareness.
Madam Kabbah's engagement formed part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education's Civic Day Series in Koinadugu District. The initiative provides a platform for government officials and citizens to discuss national issues, promote civic awareness, and encourage public participation in governance. Her message centered on the need for stronger cooperation among government institutions, traditional authorities, religious leaders, parents, and communities.
Madam Kabbah expressed her commitment to advancing gender-related issues, stating that it was now her responsibility to ensure that communities understand their obligations under the law. She urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts to educate communities and protect vulnerable groups. The event was part of a series of activities aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- Presidential Adviser Isata Jabbie Kabbah calls for stronger community action to protect girls and promote their education in Sierra Leone.
- Madam Kabbah emphasizes the importance of proper enforcement of the law against perpetrators of rape and physical abuse.
- She urges community leaders to support efforts to educate communities and protect vulnerable groups.
