State House, Freetown – President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone held a meeting with various stakeholders to discuss the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill. The session included government officials, religious and traditional leaders, women’s organizations, civil society groups, and youth representatives. The President called on parliament to enhance their consultations on this significant issue.
The discussion was led by Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Secretary to the President. Presentations were made by a traditional leader, a religious leader, the chairman of the parliamentary legislative committee, a women’s advocacy group representative, civil society members, and health professionals. Although concerns were raised by the religious leader, there was substantial support for the Bill from other speakers.
President Julius Maada Bio thanked all participants for their interest in the legislation and noted that this engagement exemplifies good governance. He mentioned that while the Bill had cabinet approval, further consultations are necessary.
The President encouraged parliamentarians to engage more deeply with stakeholders’ views on the Bill and urged them to make decisions that benefit Sierra Leone’s women and girls.
