Freetown: The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) hosted a high-level strategic dialogue with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) today. The meeting, centred on actionable steps for gender-responsive budgeting and financial inclusion, marks a significant push to embed gender equality into the nation's economic core. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the session brought together top officials, including MoGCA's Chief Director Charles Vandi and Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, with UNECA's delegation led by Ms. Keioso Matashane Marite, Chief of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. Key national institutions, including the Bank of Sierra Leone and Statistics Sierra Leone, also joined the critical talks. Permanent Secretary Sannoh hailed UNECA's visit as 'timely and impactful,' reaffirming Sierra Leone's full commitment to Africa's gender equality agenda. The dialogue laid out a clear convergence of priorities, linking UNECA's continental mandate from implementi ng the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to advancing climate action with Sierra Leone's national frameworks. Discussions pinpointed three transformative fronts for collaboration which were chaired by participants, UNECA's Judith Beatrice Auma Oduol championed expanded access to credit and digital financial services as a direct pathway to women's empowerment. This was echoed by the Bank of Sierra Leone's presentation on its Gender Accountability Framework, a tool designed to make financial systems more responsive to women's needs. Smart Budgeting, officials stressed the urgent need to align national budgeting processes with gender equality goals. Mr. Bamie J. Sesay of MoGCA emphasized integrating the Gender Accountability Framework into these processes, calling for technical support to turn policy into measurable action. Digital Empowerment and Safety, a clear call emerged for building women's digital literacy and capacity. Deputy Director Harry Mahoi advocated for enhanced digital tools, while Mrs. Marian Goodie Sowonie highlighted the dual need to promote fintech services in sectors like agriculture and raise awareness of online safety risks. Chief Director Charles Vandi outlined MoGCA's concrete efforts, including the implementation of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) regulations. The Gender Accountability Framework was underscored as a vital mechanism for tracking progress and ensuring accountability across all government ministries and agencies. The meeting highlighted with a strengthened partnership pact. Both MoGCA and UNECA committed to deeper collaboration, coordinated initiatives, and sustainable programs aimed squarely at dismantling economic barriers for women in Sierra Leone, setting a new benchmark for actionable gender inclusion.