By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Snr)
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the Icelandic Embassy, has officially launched Phase II of the Gender-Responsive Local Governance Project.
The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive service delivery, promote gender equality, and empower women across Sierra Leone.
The launch event was held at a prominent venue in Freetown and attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, and community leaders. The project reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening local governance systems and ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but actively integrated into decision-making processes at all levels.
During the ceremony, Ministry officials emphasized the importance of gender-responsive governance in addressing the unique challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone. By integrating gender perspectives into local governance frameworks, the project seeks to create an enabling environment where women can participate fully in political and civic life. This effort aligns with global development priorities, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Phase II builds on the achievements of the first phase and will focus on capacity-building programs for local government officials, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability. Ministry representatives noted that promoting inclusive governance is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for achieving the country’s broader development objectives.
The support of UN Women and the Icelandic Embassy highlight the importance of international partnerships in advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Through this collaboration, the project aims to transform gender equality from a policy goal into a lived reality for women across the nation.
The launch of Phase II marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to promote inclusive governance. With continued support from development partners and the commitment of local leaders, the Ministry envisions a future in which all citizens especially women are empowered to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development.