Diana Finda Konomanyi

"The traditional role of women has principally been child bearing and motherhood, small-scale subsistence gardening and petty trading; hence the niche of the woman’s activities in our traditional society has been, by and large, the home."

"The Government of Sierra Leone has risen to the challenge and is determined to improve the appalling situation. Major policy decisions have been taken, and appropriate legislation has been enacted, among other measures to improve the position of women, and to empower women in science and the economy."

"In order to tackle the problem of very high maternal and infant mortality rates, in 2010 Government with support of development partners, introduced the Free Health Care Services Initiative for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below the age of five years."

"Though the scheme faced implementation challenges, it has resulted in a significant uptake of reproductive, maternal and newborn services. Sierra Leone’s maternal and infant mortality rates are improving as a result. However, we have the continuing challenge of sustaining improvements gained so far."

"Significant national legislation relating to rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, early or forced marriage, discrimination in inheritance, marriage and property rights, among others, have been enacted to protect women’s rights, empower them in society and enhance their mental health and well-being."

"It is important for women to have a strong voice and confidence to take leadership in civic life, and be active economic players in our communities"

"With our abundant natural resources (agricultural, mineral and marine), we are aware that our future in creating national economic wealth depends on the development of our human resource capacity, to enable us to efficiently exploit and manage these and other national resources."