By Mohamed J. Kargbo
UN Women Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the High Commission of India and members of the Indian diaspora, celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025.
The event featured discussions on Women’s Economic Empowerment Principles and vibrant cultural performances, highlighting the ongoing efforts to advance gender equality.
Speaking at the event, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, Country Head of UN Women, emphasized the increasing threats to women’s and girls’ rights globally. She noted that women face rising levels of discrimination, weaker legal protections, and dwindling funding for programs that support them.
“In the past decade, the world has seen a disturbing 50% increase in the number of women and girls living in conflict. Women’s rights defenders are subjected to daily harassment, personal attacks, and even death.
Global crises such as COVID-19, climate change, and rising food and fuel prices only add to the urgency for action,” Mongbo stated.
She warned that instead of advancing equal rights, misogyny is becoming more mainstream, calling for collective action to make human rights, equality, and empowerment a reality for all women and girls.
“When women and girls rise, we all thrive,” she stressed, reaffirming UN Women’s commitment to ensuring that all women and girls, everywhere, fully enjoy their rights and freedoms.
India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, reflected on India’s contributions to the country, particularly in health, education, and the private sector. He described those efforts as part of human capital development, a priority for Sierra Leone’s government.
Highlighting the importance of technology in gender equality, Pradhan emphasized the need for a digital revolution that ensures equal access to technology for women and girls, equips them to lead in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, and guarantees their online safety and privacy.
He also called for a stronger commitment to eliminating violence against women.
“Countries must adopt and implement legislation to end violence against women and girls in all its forms, with well-resourced plans that support community-based organizations at the forefront of prevention and response,” he said.
Pradhan further stressed the importance of climate justice, urging leaders to prioritize women’s and girls’ rights in climate adaptation efforts.
“We must center their leadership and knowledge and ensure they benefit from new green jobs,” he concluded.
The event underscored the shared commitment of UN Women and the Indian High Commission to advancing women’s rights and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
