Dubai: Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, participated in the first African Forum of Children's Parliament in Morocco, organized by the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE) to celebrate its 30th anniversary, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Dr. Mahoi conveyed greetings from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, acknowledging Morocco's longstanding commitment to child rights. In her address, Dr. Mahoi emphasized Sierra Leone's strides in integrating child participation into governance, citing the Child Rights Act 2025 as a pivotal advancement in legal protections for children, driven by the Children's Forum Network (CFN), the nation's premier child-led organization.

The Minister elaborated on CFN's impact on national policies, highlighting its role in shaping the Child Rights Act, the National Strategy for Reducing Teenage Pregnancy, and policies on Radical Inclusion and Alternative Care. These efforts ensure that children's perspectives influence government decisions on critical issues like education, digital safety, disability inclusion, and child justice.

CFN's influence extends to public advocacy, where it collaborates with the ministry to combat gender-based violence, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, while promoting sexual health. Dr. Mahoi noted the growing role of children as advocates for their peers' protection.

Addressing contemporary challenges, CFN leads environmental campaigns and clean energy education to incorporate young voices into national climate strategies. They also spearhead initiatives on digital safety and literacy, crucial as Africa increasingly embraces digital transformation.

Dr. Mahoi underscored the forum's representation of a unified African vision, stating, 'Children are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are co-creators of solutions and essential partners in progress.' She advocated for empowering children, valuing their input, and enhancing their leadership to strengthen governance, refine policies, and secure a better future. She urged for enhanced continental cooperation to safeguard and amplify children's voices.