Freetown: The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs joined the Ministry of Social Welfare and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in commemorating the International Family Day Conference 2026, held on 18 May at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown under the theme, 'Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.' The event underscored the importance of strong families as the foundation of national development, peace, and social stability.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, emphasized that strong family structures are vital to building a stable and progressive nation. She noted that the erosion of family values and communication has contributed to social challenges such as violence, drug abuse, and juvenile crime, and called for collective efforts to restore unity, respect, and healthy family relationships.

The Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Isata Mahoi, highlighted the need for collaboration among MDAs in addressing sexual and gender-based violence and in protecting vulnerable children. She encouraged citizens to report SGBV cases and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children through stronger child protection frameworks and social protection initiatives.

Sierra Leone's Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening families and improving child welfare through initiatives such as the Free Quality School Education Programme, stronger child rights laws, and increased mental health and parenting support. He also called on stakeholders to work together to protect and empower children across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio described families as the backbone of society and praised Sierra Leonean families for their resilience in the face of national challenges, including the civil war, Ebola, COVID-19, and economic hardship. She commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing human capital development through the Free Quality Education Programme and called for sustained collective action to build a more inclusive and prosperous Sierra Leone.