Marian Goodie Sowonie is a dynamic gender and development specialist with over a decade of experience in promoting gender equity, women’s empowerment, and inclusive policymaking in Sierra Leone. As Director of Gender Affairs at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, she plays a key role in shaping national gender policies, mainstreaming gender in development agendas, and coordinating cross-sectoral programs. She holds a Master’s in Rural Development and brings a strong academic foundation, international training, and a results-driven approach to advancing gender equality and social justice