02/07/2025
Salone People Making the Change: Mariama Sahid at the Heart of European Policy Dialogues
Mariama Sahid, a passionate advocate for good governance and social justice, is currently representing Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) at the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) in Brussels, Belgium. Her one-week study visit, courtesy of the European Union in Sierra Leone, places her at the center of high-level policy discussions, diplomatic engagements, and strategic learning opportunities. With scheduled visits to institutions like UN Women, United Nations Development Programme - UNDP, UNFPA, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, Mariama is engaging with global actors on issues that matter to Sierra Leone and the continent at large.
Day Two of the programme offered a deep dive into children’s rights, gender equality, and the broader Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. In meetings with EU officials and partners, Mariama actively contributed to conversations on combating sexual and gender-based violence, child protection, and advancing inclusive peacebuilding frameworks. Her interaction with Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Brussels, Madam Asmaa James, stood out as a moment of reflection, solidarity, and shared vision for shaping progressive national and global policies.
On Day Three, Mariama participated in strategic sessions that focused on the EU’s relationship with West and Central Africa, with particular attention to youth and women’s political participation, social inclusion, and safeguarding children’s rights. Through exchanges at the European Parliament and with organizations like Eurochild, she engaged with policy frameworks and best practices designed to advance gender equity and political representation. Her voice added a much-needed West African perspective to ongoing discussions on global development and democratic participation.
Mariama’s presence at the EUVP is more than just participation — it’s a representation of Sierra Leonean excellence, resilience, and informed advocacy. Her journey showcases the value of youth inclusion in international policymaking and the importance of building bridges between local realities and global agendas. As she continues to network, learn, and advocate, Mariama Sahid remains a beacon of change, boldly representing Sierra Leone on the international stage and inspiring a new generation of leaders back home.
