The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone celebrated “International Women’s Day” on 8th March, 2025 in Freetown in collaboration with “UN Women Sierra Leone". On this occasion, the Mission organized a panel discussion on “Women’s Economic Empowerment, Rights and Gender Equality”. Panel Speakers included Ms. Setcheme Mongbo, Head of Office, UNWomen Sierra Leone, H.E. B.C. Pradhan, High Commissioner of India, the Deputy Chief Director of Gender and Children Affairs, Govt. of Sierra Leone, Ms. Sugandha Juneja, Country Director, Helen Keller International and Ms. Niharika Agnani, Principal, Choithram International School in Freetown.

During the discussions, the High Commissioner gave an account of the Government of India’s flagship programs and legislative measure such as बेटी बचाओ बेटी पढ़ाओ (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child), PM Ujjwala Scheme, Women Self Help Groups, MUDRA scheme, Maternal Benefit Act, Passing of Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, setting up of One Stop Centres, implementation of various Labour Laws for Women’s protection, Universalization of Women Helpline, Emergency Response Support System, setting up of Fast Track Special Courts, setting up of Women Help Desk in Police stations, Distribution of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits, setting up of Women Industrial Training Institutes, establishment of Working Women Hostels in Indian Cities etc.

Responding to panel speakers, who mentioned about the benefits received by the Sierra Leonean women from their participation in Solar Mama Training in India and acute shortage of nurses for rendering crucial maternity and childcare supports, the High Commissioner suggested provision of special training to the nurses from Sierra Lone in India, further training of Sierra Leonean women in Solar Energy sector and also providing specialized training in Forensic Science to the Sierra Leonean women officers dealing with sexual violence against Women.

The Celebration was attended by the members of Civil Societies, Indian Diaspora, Representatives of UN Agencies, media representatives and women officers working in Police and Defence services in Sierra Leone.