On Tuesday, 1st July, the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, officially opened the 4th Nalafem Summit, hosted by the Nalafem Collective. Held under the theme “From Representation to Power: Women Leading in Crisis & Peace,” the two-day gathering brings together 100 leaders from across Africa, including government ministers, parliamentarians, youth leaders, activists, and survivors.

In her keynote remarks, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reflected on her political journey, highlighting her role in supporting her country’s response to the Ebola epidemic and how her mayoral agenda for Freetown is driving transformative change and improving lives. She shared with the audience how she has remained focused and committed to her work despite facing intimidation and harassment, drawing strength from prayer and, importantly, from building strong networks and support systems. She also spoke about her current political journey toward seeking the highest office, emphasising that it is driven by a deep conviction that true power comes from God.

The first day of the Summit also featured a series of engaging and thought-provoking panel discussions on critical issues, including “Resist and Rise: Feminist Strategies in Hostile Political and Digital Spaces,” “From the Margins to Leadership: Survivors Confront Systems of Power and Anti-Rights Movements,” and “A New Intergenerational Pact: Shaking the Old House, Beyond a Seat at the Table.” The event successfully convened the right voices for powerful and impactful conversations.

Thanks to the exceptional panelists, including government ministers, UN representatives, political party leaders, civil society and gender rights advocates, feminist leaders, and survivors. Also making a statement via video was the UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem who reaffirmed the agency’s global commitment to advancing reproductive rights, gender equality, and the leadership of women and girls.