Empowering Women and Protecting Children: A Focus of the 7th Strengthening Families Conference
The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) 2025 took place in Freetown, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to focus on women’s empowerment and child protection. The event was hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alongside government leaders, faith communities, and civil society organizations. The conference aimed to create lasting change through collaborative efforts across Sierra Leone.
A Platform for Lasting Change
The two-day conference commenced on Thursday, June 26, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre. The theme of the event was “Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection.” This theme highlighted the importance of fostering strong communities by focusing on the role of women and children.
In her keynote address, Her Excellency the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, emphasized that the conference provided a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. She urged stakeholders to turn discussions into actionable strategies. “Let me use this as a call to us all to not let this be just a conference. Let us use this platform to design policies that will make women change-makers in our society,” she stated.
Madam Bio also stressed that empowering women should not be reduced to tokenism. She noted that women are key agents of transformation, contributing significantly to the development of families and, by extension, society as a whole.
The Role of Women in Society
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison highlighted the vital role of women in building harmonious and resilient communities. He called for more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, emphasizing that this begins with the family. His message resonated with other dignitaries who reinforced the shared mission of the conference.
Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility that must be spearheaded by religious institutions. He emphasized the need for religious groups to champion gender equality and child welfare.
Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III echoed similar sentiments, stating that true transformation starts in homes, towns, and villages. He added that when women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.
Goodwill messages from international figures such as Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission further demonstrated regional solidarity. The first day of the conference also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women’s advancement, and child protection, along with panel discussions exploring policy and grassroots strategies.
Child Protection as a Cornerstone of Resilient Communities
The second day of the conference focused on child protection as a fundamental aspect of strong families. Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscored the importance of dedicated care for children. He emphasized that families must create environments that support the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children. He also highlighted the power of love over fear in raising children.
Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, a respected religious and political leader, reiterated the role of women’s empowerment in Islamic teachings. He noted that empowering women is not only a moral obligation but also a necessity for the progress of communities.
Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, emphasizing that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. “When families are strong, communities thrive,” she said.
Experts such as Tonya Waite of Protect Child Health Coalition–USA, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth of Engage Now Africa, and Sharon and Greg Slater of Family Watch International offered practical strategies for safeguarding children’s well-being. Panelists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko shared insights on regional collaboration and community-based support systems. Mr. Kettor emphasized that protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them.
A Landmark Announcement: Safe House for Gender-Based Violence Victims
A significant announcement during the conference was the plan to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. Elder Kyungu explained that the facility would provide shelter and counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society. The closing ceremony recognized the First Lady’s leadership with awards from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.
Commitment to Health and Community Well-Being
Ahead of the conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the Intensive Care Units at Connaught Hospital, the nation’s main healthcare facility. Elder Isaac Morrison described the project as an expression of faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world,” he said.
Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national health goals. “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,” he noted.
Hospital leaders praised the upgrades, calling them a lifeline. Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager, emphasized that the improvements were essential for saving lives. The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other critical equipment, reinforcing the message that healthy families are the foundation of strong nations.
Looking Ahead: Future Conferences and Regional Collaboration
As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message stood out clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone. The next conference is scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, in June 2026, with all stakeholders looking forward to a successful event.
