Outgoing UN Women Chief Highlights Progress in Women’s Empowerment
By Ibrahim Sahr Komba
Dr. Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, Head of Office of UN Women in Sierra Leone, has commended the country’s progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment during her tenure.
She highlighted increased women’s representation in leadership, with women now occupying 30% of parliamentary seats, 34% of local council positions, and 35% of ministerial and non-ministerial roles. Dr. Mongbo also cited key legislative achievements, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act and other gender-responsive laws.
In the economic sector, she noted that thousands of women and rural farmers have benefited from climate-smart agriculture initiatives, training programs, and access to productive resources, while 700 women-owned businesses have been connected to digital platforms and markets.
She further highlighted UN Women’s support for peacebuilding, voter education, women’s rights advocacy, and assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Dr. Mongbo expressed gratitude to government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, stating that Sierra Leone has laid a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future for women and girls.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, commended Dr. Mongbo for her unwavering commitment to promoting women’s rights and increasing women’s representation in leadership and governance. She also praised her support for initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation in climate-smart agriculture and economic development.
Dr. Mahoi thanked the outgoing UN Women Head of Office for her dedication and assured her that Sierra Leone would continue to build on the gains achieved during her tenure.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana described Dr. Mongbo as a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a respected leader within the UN system.
The Resident Coordinator noted that she had known Dr. Mongbo for many years and described her commitment to gender equality as deeply rooted. According to her, Dr. Mongbo possesses an exceptional ability to mobilize resources, build partnerships, and inspire action.
“She has the capacity to convince people and bring them together around a common goal. That is one of the reasons she has achieved such impressive results and transformed the UN Women office from a small operation into a strong institution with significant impact,” she said.
Wakana said Dr. Mongbo’s leadership helped transform the UN Women office in Sierra Leone while strengthening partnerships with government, civil society, and fellow UN agencies. She pledged that the UN Country Team would continue to build on the strong foundation she leaves behind.
Carol Hannon of the Embassy of Ireland also praised Dr. Mongbo’s leadership, noting that she had significantly expanded the capacity and influence of the UN Women office during her tenure. She described her as a dedicated and energetic leader whose passion for gender equality was evident in both policy engagement and field work.
Both Wakana and Hannon expressed confidence that Dr. Mongbo would continue to make a meaningful impact in her new role in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while noting that Sierra Leone would continue to benefit from the enduring legacy of her work.
As she prepares to take up her new assignment, Dr. Mongbo expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, civil society organizations, development partners, and communities across the country for their support and collaboration.
She said the progress achieved over the years demonstrates that sustained partnerships and collective action can create lasting change, adding that Sierra Leone has laid a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future for women and girls.
