The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) 2025 unfolded in Freetown, bringing together The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, government officials, faith leaders, and civil society actors to promote women’s empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone.

The two-day event opened on Thursday, June 26, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre under the theme “Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection.”

Delivering the keynote address on the opening day, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, emphasised that the conference must go beyond speeches. “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.

She stressed that empowering women should not be symbolic but transformative. “Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,” she added.

Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counsellor in the Africa West Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reiterated the crucial role women play in building peaceful and resilient homes. “Women create harmonious and resilient communities. We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,” he said.

Other leaders added their voices to the call. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, said empowerment must be led by faith groups. “Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,” he stated. Traditional Leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III declared that, “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 were delivered by Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. The day featured an exhibition highlighting family welfare initiatives, women’s empowerment programs, and child protection solutions. A panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay addressed practical strategies for policy change and community engagement.

The second day turned the spotlight on child protection as the heart of resilient families. Delivering the keynote address, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of the Church, stressed the importance of nurturing environments.

“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 added that parenting should be driven by love, not fear. Sheikh Ibrahim Barrie echoed this sentiment, citing women’s empowerment as rooted in Islamic teaching. “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 words: “When families are strong, communities thrive.”

Other speakers, including Tonya Waite (Protect Child Health Coalition–USA), Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth (Engage Now Africa), and Sharon and Greg Slater (Family Watch International), shared tools for child protection. Panellists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko emphasised the importance of collaboration and community trust. “Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,” Mr. Kettor said.

In a significant announcement, Elder Kyungu revealed plans for a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the First Lady’s office. “This facility will not only provide shelter but also counselling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society,” he said. The First Lady received awards in recognition of her leadership from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.

Ahead of the event, the Church commissioned a complete renovation of the Intensive Care Unit at Connaught Hospital. Elder Isaac Morrison called the project a reflection of faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world,” he noted.

Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, praised the partnership, saying, “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone.”

Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager, described the ICU upgrades as transformational. “This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline.” The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other key medical equipment.

As the Strengthening Families Conference closed, one message rang clear: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health remain the bedrock of Sierra Leone’s future.

The next edition of the conference will be held in Monrovia, Liberia, in June 2026. Stakeholders are already gearing up for another impactful gathering.