By: Aminata Sesay
The National Conference on Financing for Women, Peace, and Security, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, has officially opened with a resounding call for greater investment in women as peace-builders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change in Sierra Leone.
Held under the theme “Pathways to Inclusive Financing for Women, Peace, and Security,” the high-level two-day event aims to develop actionable and sustainable financial frameworks to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda across the country.
The conference forms part of the ongoing project titled “Localization and Working Together for Peace: Repositioning Women-Focused CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sierra Leone.” It is a collaborative initiative jointly organized by UN Women Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and World Vision International.
In her opening remarks, the representative from UN Women highlighted the vital role women play in peace-building, community development, and societal resilience. She underscored the urgency of providing inclusive financing mechanisms that empower women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively participate and lead in peace processes.-
The conference has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, international development partners, and community leaders. Participants are engaging in meaningful dialogue to share best practices, exchange knowledge, and build stronger partnerships that position women as central actors in the peace and security landscape.
As Sierra Leone continues to advance its commitment to gender equality and peace-building, the conference reflects a growing recognition of the need for gender-responsive budgeting and resource allocation. It also underscores the country’s dedication to achieving the global Women, Peace, and Security agenda and ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey toward sustainable peace.