2026 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
2026 Statement
As we step into the year 2026, I bring warm greetings and renewed hope to the women of Sierra Leone, our parliamentary colleagues, development partners, civil society organisations, and all citizens committed to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation.
The year ahead presents us with both opportunities and responsibilities. As women parliamentarians, we remain resolute in our mandate to champion gender equality, protect women’s rights, and strengthen democratic governance through effective legislation, oversight, and representation.
In 2026, the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus will continue to play a strategic role in supporting the full implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, particularly the promotion of women’s participation in leadership and decision-making spaces at all levels. We are committed to ensuring that laws enacted in Parliament translate into real and measurable impact in the lives of women and girls across our country.
Therefore, in 2026, our Caucus shall pursue a focused agenda under the theme: “Consolidating Gains, Accelerating Action.” Our priorities are clear:
1. The Vigorous Pursuit of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act:
We will work tirelessly to ensure the full implementation, resourcing, and enforcement of this landmark legislation. It is the bedrock upon which we will build lasting change.
2. Economic Justice for Women:
We will champion policies and budgetary allocations that empower women entrepreneurs, support women in agriculture, and invest in closing the digital gender divide. A nation cannot prosper when half of its potential is constrained.
3. Ending Violence, Securing Dignity:
We will push for stronger systems to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, advocate for comprehensive support for survivors, and continue to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate harm.
4. The Next Generation of Leaders:
We will intensify our mentorship programs and partnerships to inspire, equip, and support young women and girls to aspire for leadership in all spheres of life. Our legacy must be a pipeline of capable, confident leaders.
5. Advancing advocacy on women-centred policies, including education, health, economic empowerment, and protection from gender-based violence.
6. Deepening collaboration with male champions, traditional leaders, civil society, and development partners to promote shared responsibility for gender equality; and
7. Amplifying the voices of women and girls, especially those in rural and underserved communities.
To our indefatigable civil society organizations, the media, and our international partners, your solidarity, advocacy, and support remain invaluable. Let us continue this journey together.
To every woman and girl across Sierra Leone: your resilience is our inspiration. Your dreams are our mandate. We see you, we hear you, and we are in Parliament to represent you with courage and conviction.
On behalf of the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to unity, accountability, courage, and service. Together, let us make 2026 a year of meaningful progress, bold action, and lasting transformation for the women of Sierra Leone.
Let 2026 be a year where our actions speak even louder than our words. Let it be a year where we turn promises into tangible progress for every Sierra Leonean woman.
I extend my sincere appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for their continued support, and I call on all citizens to join us in advancing the shared vision of a more inclusive and equitable Sierra Leone.
God bless you, and God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The Caucus recognizes that empowering women is not only a matter of equity but a national development imperative. When women lead, communities thrive, institutions grow stronger, and nations move forward.
To our indefatigable civil society organizations, the media, and our international partners, your solidarity, advocacy, and support remain invaluable. Let us continue this journey together.
To every woman and girl across Sierra Leone: your resilience is our inspiration. Your dreams are our mandate. We see you, we hear you, and we are in Parliament to represent you with courage and conviction.
On behalf of the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to unity, accountability, courage, and service. Together, let us make 2026 a year of meaningful progress, bold action, and lasting transformation for the women of Sierra Leone.
Let 2026 be a year where our actions speak even louder than our words. Let it be a year where we turn promises into tangible progress for every Sierra Leonean woman.
I extend my sincere appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for their continued support, and I call on all citizens to join us in advancing the shared vision of a more inclusive and equitable Sierra Leone.
God bless you, and God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, MP
President
Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus