NaCSA Women’s Forum meets with the Presidential Adviser on Gender...

*Tuesday 6th August 2024, NaCSA House* – The Women’s Forum from the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) met with President Bio’s Adviser on Gender Issues – Md. Isata Jabbie Kabba. On Thursday 1st August 2024, the Commissioner of NaCSA – Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina appreciated the Women of NaCSA for their incredible contributions to the Commission's deliverables. This is a remarkable gesture, even more so, as the Commission accounts for more than 30% of female representatives at all levels of management.

In her inspirational speech, Md IJ Kabba stated that women remain the greatest beneficiaries and implementers of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s big five game changers: *"We have seen the emergence of women at parliamentary levels, in the cabinet, in the judiciary, and as heads of government departments and agencies. This is possible because we have a _HeForShe_ champion as the President of Sierra Leone; who understands that women’s role in national development is a sine qua non. As women, this is the time for us to join forces together for the betterment of our nation and our children. I am particularly proud of the women from NaCSA and I encourage you all to be united because for us - delivery is a must!’’* She noted

Md IJ Kabba unravelled the impact the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act has created and the way it has repositioned women to lead their emancipation in politics, access justice and ensure their economic empowerment.

In response, the women of NaCSA presented their citation of honour and invited Md Kabba to be part of the Women’s Forum at NaCSA. Dr Susan Robert, the Senior Director for Programme Development and Quality Assurance (SD-PDQA) and the Adviser to the NaCSA Women’s Forum expressed her optimism for women of NaCSA and Sierra Leone as a whole.

Dr Susan then extended special thanks to the President for his visionary role in promoting women through Md. IJ Kabba: *‘’Extend our sincere appreciation to the President for the GEWE act and the appointment of Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina as Commissioner and Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa as Deputy Commissioner. We must say that these two persons have played a critical role in elevating the women at NaCSA. Inspite of progress made in the number of women employed, we need more women at the senior management level. As women, we are ready to combine forces as we contribute immensely to achieving the aspirations of the Big Five Game Changers.’’* She ended.

The President of NaCSA Women’s Forum Regina Saffa who is also the Director of Programmes, explained the history of the forum and reiterated the committment of the women of NaCSA to the realization of His Excellency's development agenda . She disclosed that in the coming months, the forum will transition into a secretariat - functioning as a critical part of the Commission. *‘’We will mobilise resources to embark on community development in a bid to complement the Commission's work by addressing gaps in outreach. The aim is to contribute to the government development framework.’’* She noted.

The engagement ended with words of inspiration and a commitment to reposition the women of Sierra Leone.

*For further information on this and other matters, don't hesitate to get in touch with The Information, Education and Communication Unit:* *+23277022709/+23230518539* www.nacsa.gov.sl