Kambia: The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) commemorated International Women's Day 2026 through an extensive series of chiefdom-level town hall engagements in Kambia District, reinforcing national commitments to gender equality and the protection of women and girls. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the grassroots initiative convened community members across five chiefdoms-Samu, Mambolo, Munu Thalla, Magbema, and Briamaia-under the global theme 'Rights. Justice. Action: For All Women and Girls.' The outreach focused on accelerating women's participation in development and dismantling systemic barriers that limit their roles in decision-making processes. Traditional leaders and district stakeholders lent their voices to the commemorative events, underscoring a unified front against gender-based violence and harmful practices. Among those in attendance were Ambassador Foday Yumkella, Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea; Paramount Chief Bai Shebora Lion of Mambolo Chiefdo m; and Paramount Chief Bai Nani Kabath II of Munu Thalla Chiefdom. Also present were Mr. Sylvester Kpukuma, District Coordinator of the National Sports Organization; Madam Isha Mariama Kaba, Development and Planning Officer at Kambia District Council; Mrs. Mary K. Alieu, GBV Centre Supervisor at Rainbo Initiative; and Madam Suad Woobay, President of Kambia District Women. Their collective presence signaled a multi-sectoral resolve to advance the rights and dignity of women and girls at the local level. Host Paramount Chief Bai Nani Kabath II welcomed participants to Munu Thalla with strong remarks condemning early marriage, female genital mutilation, and all forms of gender-based violence. He characterized the gathering as a pivotal moment for communities to deepen their awareness of protective laws and social responsibilities. The Paramount Chief announced plans to convene section chiefs and headmen to establish community bye-laws that would institutionalize safeguards for women and children. He issued a fi rm warning that parents facilitating marriage for minors and individuals performing FGM without consent would face legal repercussions. Expressing gratitude to MoGCA and its development partners, Chief Kabath extended an invitation for next year's International Women's Day celebration to be hosted at the chiefdom headquarters in Bamoi Bana Town. Community members voiced overwhelming support for the initiative, describing it as transformative and long overdue. A local headman expressed optimism that the annual observance would become a permanent feature in the district's calendar, contributing meaningfully to the reduction of gender-based violence and the promotion of women's leadership. A youth representative praised women as indispensable drivers of national progress, urging continued investment in such programs. Speaking on behalf of women attendees, Madam Salamatu lauded the Ministry for equipping them with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, while Adamasay Kamara noted that the engagement mar ked the first development-oriented program of its kind in her community-one that left participants deeply encouraged. Religious leaders also endorsed the initiative, with the Town Imam offering prayers for its success and acknowledging the historic nature of the gathering within Munu Thalla Chiefdom. The chiefdom-level engagements closed with renewed commitments from traditional authorities, district officials, and civil society actors to champion gender equality and eliminate deeply entrenched harmful practices. MoGCA emphasized that the outreach in Kambia District reflects a broader strategy to strengthen community awareness, foster inclusive dialogue, and build sustainable partnerships that protect and empower women and girls across Sierra Leone. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to translating global commitments into local realities through sustained engagement and collaboration with grassroots stakeholders.