Freetown, Sierra Leone – November 28, 2024
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) and international partners, hosted a transformative Town Hall meeting at the New City Hall Lobby, Freetown City Council on Wallace Johnson Street. The event, themed “Transformative Inclusion for All,” focused on advancing disability-inclusive processes in Sierra Leone.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Kargbo, who extended her appreciation to all participants, including international bodies, social workers, and organizations dedicated to disability advocacy. In her opening speech, Minister Kargbo provided a historical overview of disability issues, emphasizing the importance of equity, justice, and respect for persons with disabilities.
“This Town Hall meeting is a significant milestone—not just a platform for engagement, but a mechanism to reinforce disability inclusion across all sectors,” Kargbo noted. She also introduced the formation of an impact assessment committee that will review ongoing initiatives and highlight challenges. While acknowledging progress, she stressed the need for more strategies to prioritize inclusion. Minister Kargbo concluded her remarks by reinforcing the importance of amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities: “The voice of the disabled must be heard.”
In his keynote address, Attorney General Mohamed Lamin Tarawally linked the event to President Bio’s “Big Five” agenda. He described the Town Hall as a unique opportunity for persons with disabilities to ask questions and seek solutions to their challenges. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusion, stating: “Sierra Leone belongs to everyone, irrespective of color, tribe, or religion.” He also pledged ongoing government support to improve disability-related issues, assuring that inclusivity would be prioritized across all levels.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, reaffirmed the UN’s support for the government’s initiatives on disability inclusion. She highlighted the global nature of disability issues and stressed the importance of situational analysis and research to integrate disability concerns into national policies. “The UN remains committed to addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities through strategic interventions and evidence-based solutions,” Wakana said. She commended the government’s efforts and encouraged continued collaboration to foster inclusivity.
Joseph Alieu Koroma, President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the government for organizing the event. Koroma noted that while many Town Hall meetings had been held in the past, this event stood out as one focused specifically on addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities.
Koroma called for greater recognition of disability issues, noting that those directly impacted are the best positioned to identify their challenges. Among the key issues highlighted were the limited access to positions in government, universities, and other institutions. He urged his colleagues to present their concerns in a respectful and constructive manner, stating: “We must channel our problems in a civilized and well-mannered way to drive meaningful change.”
The Town Hall meeting served as a crucial platform for open dialogue between government ministries, international organizations, and disability advocates. It marked a critical step towards a more inclusive society where the voices of persons with disabilities are not only heard but acted upon. The collective commitment from stakeholders, combined with active participation, signals a promising path toward transformative inclusion in Sierra Leone.
