By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Snr)
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, 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 is aimed at strengthening inclusive service delivery, promoting gender equality, and empowering women across Sierra Leone.
The launch ceremony was held at a prominent venue in Freetown and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, and community leaders. The project demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to improving local governance systems and ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but fully integrated into decision-making processes at all levels.
Speaking at the event, Ministry officials emphasized the importance of gender-responsive governance in addressing the specific challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone. By mainstreaming gender perspectives into local governance frameworks, the project seeks to create an enabling environment where women can participate meaningfully in political and civic life. This initiative 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 promote transparency and accountability. Ministry representatives noted that fostering inclusive governance is not only a moral obligation but also essential to achieving the country’s broader development objectives.
The support of UN Women and the Icelandic Embassy underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Through this collaboration, the project aims to transform gender equality from a policy commitment into a practical reality for women nationwide.
The launch of Phase II marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s drive toward inclusive and gender-responsive governance. With continued support from development partners and the dedication of local leaders, the Ministry envisions a future where all citizens especially women are empowered to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s national development.