Freetown, August 15, 2025 — The Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NeWMaP) officially launched its Constitution and 2025–2030 Strategic Plan today at a high-level ceremony held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event marks a transformative milestone in the advancement of women’s leadership and gender equality in Sierra Leone.
The launch was presided over by Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, who delivered the keynote address. She was joined by government officials, NeWMaP members, civil society leaders, and development partners, including Trocaire, Irish Aid, and the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG).
Highlighting progress under the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, she noted that women now hold:
- 30% of parliamentary seats
- 41% of local council positions
- 41% of ministerial and deputy ministerial appointments
These gains, she said, are a direct result of President Julius Maada Bio’s strong political will and the implementation of gender-responsive legislation.
She emphasized that the NeWMaP Strategic Plan is fully aligned with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), particularly its “Big Five Game Changers,” which prioritize human capital development and gender mainstreaming.
Reviving a Legacy of Leadership
Charles Vandy, Deputy Chief of MoGCA, traced NeWMaP’s origins to its founding in 1999 under the late Vice President Joe Demby, and its integration into the Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NAWMP) in 2004.
He recalled the early leadership of trailblazers like Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay and Hon. Bernadette Lahai, whose vision laid the foundation for today’s revival. After 15 years of dormancy due to lack of funding and political support, momentum for reactivation began in 2023 under the leadership of Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Following extensive consultations with female ministers, deputies, MPs, and councillors, NeWMaP was officially relaunched by President Julius Maada Bio in 2024.
Sahr Kendema, Senior Programs Manager at CGG, highlighted the collaborative process behind the Strategic Plan’s development.
He praised Dr. Isata Mahoi for championing the relaunch and commended development partners like Trocaire and Irish Aid for their critical support.
Racheal Newbery, Head of Programs at Trocaire, described the launch as “an important milestone” in NeWMaP’s journey
Cecilia Adeline Bangura, Vice President I of the Women’s Forum (the national umbrella body for women’s organizations), hailed the Strategic Plan as a “compass for women’s leadership.”
She acknowledged ongoing challenges—patriarchy, limited campaign financing, and underrepresentation—but affirmed women’s resilience and determination.
This launch is not just a ceremony—it is a call to action. NeWMaP stands united to ensure that women’s leadership is not an exception, but the norm.
