The 7th edition of the Strengthening Family Conference (SFC) took place from June 26 to 27 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, under the banner “Building Stronger Communities through Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection.”
Organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in collaboration with religious leaders and government partners, the event brought together political figures, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society stakeholders. According to a final communiqué shared with APA on Thursday, the conference aimed to deepen the national conversation around women’s empowerment and the safeguarding of children.
In her keynote address, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio made a strong call to action: “Women’s empowerment should not be a formality but a lever for social transformation.” Her words set the tone for two days of impassioned dialogue focused on social change through inclusive leadership and protection of vulnerable populations.
Several participants underscored the vital role of women in achieving sustainable peace and community resilience. Traditional Chief Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III echoed this sentiment, stating, “When women have their say, nations prosper.”
Child protection took centre stage on the second day of the conference. Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Church’s West Africa Area, stressed the significance of strong family units in ensuring the wellbeing and development of children.
One of the most impactful announcements from the gathering was the planned construction of a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence. The project, to be executed in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, represents a concrete step toward protecting and supporting affected individuals.
In the lead-up to the conference, The Church also financed renovations to the intensive care unit at Connaught Hospital in Freetown—an initiative praised by medical officials as a critical contribution to Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure.
The next edition of the Strengthening Family Conference is scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Monrovia, Liberia.
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