The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Inter-Religious Council Sierra Leone, recently organized a Government Engagement Meeting to promote economic inclusion and expand civic space, particularly for women.

Held at the 50/50 Group Conference Hall, the event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and advocacy groups to discuss barriers to economic participation.

Professor Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, President of the 50/50 Group, emphasized the need for equity and transparency in economic policies, pointing out that despite some legal reforms, women still face systemic financial barriers. She called for decisive action to create a more inclusive economy, especially for women in the informal sector.

A key presentation by Naasu Fofanah-Susue addressed the challenges women encounter in accessing financial resources. She introduced the Women’s Banking Initiative, a proposed women-only commercial bank designed to offer tailored financial solutions, including low-interest loans for female entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of restoring trust in financial institutions and noted that the initiative has already attracted significant investment.

Charles Keif-Kobai spoke on the importance of maintaining an open civic space for democracy, warning that restrictions could undermine government accountability. Consultant Zainab called for reforms in property and land management to protect individual rights and improve community relations.

John Kelly Marah from Civic Hub reviewed laws impacting civic engagement, cautioning against excessive regulations that limit free expression. He stressed the need for balanced policies that safeguard fundamental freedoms while ensuring necessary oversight.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for government and civil society collaboration to implement economic and civic reforms, marking a step toward a more inclusive and participatory economic system in Sierra Leone.