News

25 August 2023 (Last update:28 August 2023)

The new Minister of Information and Civic Education of Sierra Leone is Chernor Bah. His appointment by President Julius Maada Bio marks his advocacy achievements for girls and youth.

Minister Bah is one of the five jury members of the UNESCO Girls' and Women's Education Prize. His work paves the way for gender equality in Sierra Leone. 

“Serving as a jury member of the UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’s Education was a remarkable experience. It reinforced my commitment to advancing gender equality and education. The insights gained will enrich my perspective as Minister of Information and Civic Education. It will help me design and put in place policies. Policies that will foster an inclusive and equitable world for all in Sierra Leone,” he said. 

An activist dedicated to the defense of young people 

Minister Bah's previous work focused on young people, especially the most disadvantaged. He started when he was an adolescent, after the civil war in Sierra Leone.

At the age of 15, he founded the "Childrens' Forum Network". The Network ensured that young people's voices were heard in post-war reconstruction efforts. He has led several youth-related initiatives. His global efforts include work with UNFPA and the Population Council.

In 2012, he co-founded "A World at School" with the former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. He is also at the head of "Purposeful", the feminist hub of Sierra Leone. The hub works towards young women’s empowerment. 

From civic practitioner to politician 

"As a civic practitioner I bring to the role of Minister both grassroots and international experience. My work includes addressing the aftermath of the Ebola crisis, advocacy for girls’ education, and much NGO effort. I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our citizens. This will allow me to develop policies that resonate with the needs of our communities and promote civic engagement. I am dedicated to fostering a more informed, engaged, and united Sierra Leone. Combining my expertise in communication, education, and civic participation,” said Minister Bah. 

This election marks a new turning point in Minister Bah’s career. 

“My appointment is a tremendous honour and a profound responsibility. It is a significant step in my lifelong journey advocating for the rights of girls, young people, and marginalized communities. I will create an environment where information is accessible to all and civic education is a priority. To allow every citizen, especially girls and young people, to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation.” 

In his new functions Minister Bah prepares to face many challenges. 

Until 2020, visibly pregnant girls were banned from attending school in Sierra Leone. As a direct result, they found themselves on the margins of the community. The ban was lifted in 2021 thanks to the National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools. "Purposeful" was a partner in the development of the policy by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. In April 2023, a new law was enacted on basic and higher secondary education which incorporated elements of the 2021 text.

Despite these efforts, many girls who are pregnant, living in poverty or in rural areas, are still at risk of being excluded from school. 

“While there has been progress, critical areas within girls’ and young people’s education still need urgent attention. Radical education must be accessible to all, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status. Addressing gender-based violence, early marriage, and cultural barriers hindering girls' education is paramount. Additionally, the curriculum must include digital literacy and skills for the modern world. This will prepare our youth for the challenges of the 21st century. By prioritising these we can empower our girls and young people to become active contributors to our nation's development.”

URL:

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/newly-appointed-minister-bah-member-unesco-girls-and-womens-education-prize-jury