By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – August 31, 2026: In a major step toward inclusive and resilient national development, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) under the Food System Resilience Project (FSRP).
Describing the agreement as a defining moment, the Gender Minister said the partnership goes beyond administration, representing a strategic commitment to embed gender equality, social inclusion, and protection from gender‑based violence (GBV) within Sierra Leone’s food systems.
The collaboration acknowledges that resilient food systems depend on resilient communities, with women and children playing central roles in production, distribution, and household nutrition—while often facing disproportionate poverty, exclusion, and violence.
Under the pact, both ministries will ensure FSRP interventions integrate gender mainstreaming and safeguards against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Sexual Harassment (SH), and GBV, while promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities. MoGCA will provide technical leadership in gender analysis, capacity building, safeguarding, and community engagement, alongside stronger institutional mechanisms for prevention and response.
Officials say the agreement reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to the GEWE Act 2022, the national gender policy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 5, and 16), and international obligations under CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol.