Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty accompanied by representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), convened for a courtesy visit with First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio at her Goderich office in Freetown. The gracious reception extended by Her Excellency underscored the significance of international cooperation in tackling pressing matters relating to women and girls.
During the meeting, commendations were offered for the First Lady’s impactful “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Fatima Maada Bio herself. This campaign has been instrumental in addressing critical issues concerning the safety and well-being of girls, emphasizing a shared dedication to gender-based advocacy and social welfare.
Hajaratu Sama, Head of UNODC Sierra Leone, added depth to the discussions by conveying greetings from the broader UNODC community. Her presence highlighted the collaborative efforts between Sierra Leone and international bodies in addressing multifaceted challenges.
This encounter serves as a compelling example of how diplomatic interactions can effectively address global concerns while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
In similar development, representatives from the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians (ECOFEPA) made a courtesy call on the First Lady at her Goderich office. The visit emphasised how crucial it is for women to participate in political debate and work together beyond geographical boundaries.
Discussions on gender equality, common goals, Hands Off Our Girls, and methods to advance socioeconomic development were mentioned.
The promotion of ECOFEPA and the progress of women in leadership are both reflected in these diplomatic exchanges, which also serve to strengthen unity and elevate the voices of women in decision-making processes in Sierra Leone.
