UN Women Regional Director Dr. Maxime Houinato Undertakes First Official Visit to Sierra Leone
to Fast-Track Partnerships and Advance Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 16 February 2026 – UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa,
Dr. Maxime Houinato, will undertake an official visit to Sierra Leone from the 16th to 21st February
2026.
The mission aims to strenghten high-level partnership dialogues with the Government of Sierra Leone
and development partners to accelerate progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
During his visit, Dr. Houinato will meet with His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, selected
Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and women’s rights organizations. He will also
engage with civil society organizations, women’s groups, women leaders, and youth activists to hear
firsthand their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
The mission culminates in a series of engagements with policymakers and development partners in
Freetown, and in the districts bringing together changemakers from across sectors to discuss timely
solutions for gender-responsive development.
His visit reaffirms UN Women’s commitment to ensuring that all women and girls in Sierra Leone can
live free from violence, lead in public life, and thrive economically.
Dr. Houinato previously undertook an official visit to Sierra Leone about a decade ago in a former
capacity prior to his appointment as UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Name: Mohamed Kargbo
Position: Communications Officer
Email: mohamed.kargbo@unwomen.org
Phone: +232 76 493310
