A Platform for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection
The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) 2025 took place in Freetown, bringing together various stakeholders to focus on women’s empowerment and child protection. The event was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in collaboration with government leaders, faith communities, and civil society organizations. The two-day conference, held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, centered around the theme “Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection.”
On the first day, the conference kicked off with a keynote address delivered by Her Excellency the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio. She emphasized the importance of transforming dialogue into actionable policies that empower women. “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 urged.
Madam Bio highlighted the need to move beyond tokenism and recognize the transformative role of women in building strong families and societies. “Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,” she said.
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized the vital role of women in creating harmonious and resilient communities. “We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,” he stated.
Other dignitaries also reinforced the shared mission. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility that must be spearheaded by religious institutions. “Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,” he noted.
Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III added, “It is in our homes, towns, and villages that true transformation must begin. When women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.” Goodwill messages from Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission demonstrated regional solidarity.
The first day also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women’s advancement, and child protection, along with a panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay exploring policy and grassroots strategies.
Child Protection as the Cornerstone of Resilient Communities
The second day of the conference focused on child protection as a key element of strong families. Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for children. “Children are shaped by their experiences; hence, families must create a conducive environment that contributes not just to their physical well-being but to their emotional and spiritual health,” he said.
He further stressed 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. “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for the progress of our communities,” he noted.
Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, adding that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. “When families are strong, communities thrive,” she said.
Speakers 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. “Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,” Mr. Kettor said.
Landmark Announcement: Safe House for Gender-Based Violence Victims
In a significant announcement, Elder Kyungu revealed plans to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. “This facility will not only provide shelter but also counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society.” The closing ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the First Lady’s leadership, including honors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.
Commitment to Health: ICU Renovation and Donation
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 faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world.”
Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national goals. “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,” he noted.
Hospital leaders called the upgrades a lifeline. “This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline,” Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager, said. 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 of the Strengthening Families Conference
As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message resonated clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone.
The conference is scheduled to next take place in Monrovia, Liberia in June 2026. All stakeholders are looking forward to Liberia hosting a successful event.