Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called on colleague Gender Ministers and Partners to examine the barriers: legal, cultural, economic, and institutional challenges that hinder women and youth from fully engaging in politics, sketching a collective roadmap that aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
She was speaking at the ongoing regional consultation on political participation and leadership of women and youth in West Africa, which is a four-day engagement that forms part of activities under the Economic Community of West African States’ 50th Anniversary Legacy Project.
Delivering her opening statement as Chair of the ECOWAS Ministers responsible for gender, Dr. Isata Mahoi described the gathering at such a critical moment in West Africa's democratic journey as extremely important, noting that it is not organized solely for deliberations but to reaffirm the collective commitment to inclusive governance.
“The voices of women and youth are indispensable to the future of our democracies. Yet, despite their numbers, energy, and contributions, they remain underrepresented in political decision-making across our region”. Minister Mahoi stated.
With many imbalances, she said, the very principles of equality, justice, and sustainable development that ECOWAS stands for are undermined.
The Minister said it is important that everyone acknowledges that political participation is not merely about numbers, but about influence, leadership, and the ability to shape policies that respond to the realities of our people, adding that women and youth bring perspectives that enrich governance, strengthen accountability, and ensure that societies are more resilient and equitable.
The Exclusion of Women and youth, according to Minister Mahoi, is not only a democratic deficit but a missed opportunity for transformation.
She called on her colleague Gender Ministers, partners, and participants to use the platform to reaffirm their collective commitment to dismantling barriers and to chart a new course where women and youth are not merely participants, but leaders and decision-makers.
Their deliberations, she said, must be bold, recommendations practical, with unwavering resolve.
Sierra Leone's Gender Minister urged participants to see the gathering as a call to action and an opportunity to share best practices and innovative strategies from across member states, deliberate on the draft declaration on gender parity crafted by experts for adoption and onward submission to the Authority of Heads of State for approval.
On behalf of the ECOWAS ministers responsible for gender, Dr. Mahoi extended gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for hosting the consultations, while thanking partners and stakeholders for their continued support to promote the cause of gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, and youth in the region.
The consultation is taking place at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra to promote gender parity and inclusive leadership across Member States.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi was accompanied to the consultative gathering by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner in Accra, Ghana His Excellency, Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, Namisa Kramer Director, Human Capital Development, Presidential Delivery Team- State House, Charles B. Vandi Chief Director, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Florence Taylor Young, State Counsel, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.
