Secure Her Empowerment for Peace (She4Peace) on Saturday, 27 June 2026, hosted the second edition of its Elevate Men’s Seminar at Toma Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, bringing together policymakers, mental health professionals, youth leaders, civil society representatives, and students to foster open dialogue on men’s mental health and positive masculinity.
Held under the theme, “It’s Okay to Say, I Am Not Okay,” the seminar focused on “Breaking the Silence: Youth Voices for Men’s Mental Health, Positive Masculinity, and Social Transformation in Sierra Leone.” The event sought to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s emotional well-being while encouraging dialogue, healing, and collective action.
The seminar was hosted by She4Peace Programme Director, Augustine Kandeh, while the two panel discussions were moderated by holistic educator and executive coach, Ariana Oluwole.
The first panel featured the Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ansu Konneh; pharmacist and youth leader, Buya Nabie Bangura; and Co-Founder of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, Ansumana Keita Esq.
The second panel comprised journalist and advocate Marina Kisha Terry, Country Director of the Mental Health Coalition–Sierra Leone, Joshua Duncan, and Chairman of Susan’s Bay Community, Ishmail G. Kamara, a disability rights advocate.
Panelists underscored the urgent need to dismantle harmful stereotypes that discourage men from speaking openly about emotional struggles. They advocated for greater access to mental health services, stronger community engagement, and the promotion of positive masculinity rooted in empathy, accountability, and respect. They further emphasized that creating safe spaces where men can express themselves is essential to strengthening families and building peaceful communities.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Assistant Secretary Momoh Kailondo described the seminar as a timely initiative that challenges harmful social norms and encourages men to seek help without fear of stigma.
He observed that many men have been conditioned to suppress their emotions, making it difficult for them to seek support for mental health challenges, trauma, addiction, and other personal struggles. He stressed that acknowledging emotional pain and seeking professional assistance should be regarded as an act of courage rather than a sign of weakness.
Kailondo noted that Sierra Leone continues to grapple with substance abuse, unemployment, domestic violence, and mental health challenges, emphasizing that addressing these issues requires the collective efforts of government, civil society, families, schools, religious institutions, and communities. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing gender equality while promoting healthier models of masculinity that encourage empathy, emotional intelligence, and shared responsibility.
Guest speaker, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, Executive Director of the Center for Africa Policy and outgoing President of the Oxford University Postgraduate Student Union, encouraged young men to embrace vulnerability and transform personal struggles into opportunities for growth.
Reflecting on his experience as a youth advocate in Liberia during the Ebola outbreak and his involvement in international youth initiatives, Wantoe said conversations about men’s mental health must go beyond awareness and translate into practical empowerment through education, leadership, and opportunity.
Sharing the emotional experience of losing his father while studying in the United States, he said the tragedy taught him that men should never feel ashamed to grieve or seek support. He encouraged participants to view asking for help as a demonstration of strength and urged young people to explore international scholarship opportunities through his Scholarly Path Programme.
Sharing his personal testimony, She4Peace Elevate Men’s Programme beneficiary Saidu Nallo said the initiative had transformed his life, describing it as a continuation of the support he received from the organization during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Nallo explained that while pursuing his studies, he developed a serious eye condition that had a devastating emotional and psychological impact on him. Through the She4Peace Elevate Men’s Programme, with support from development partners and well-wishers, he was flown to Ghana twice, where he spent more than two months undergoing specialist consultations and treatment.
He said the support restored his hope and reminded him that young men facing difficult circumstances should never feel alone. He commended She4Peace for not only responding to his personal needs but also establishing a programme that continues to uplift vulnerable young men across Sierra Leone.
In her keynote address, She4Peace Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mariama Sahid, emphasized that men’s mental health must remain a national priority because gender equality cannot be achieved by focusing on one gender alone.
She explained that while She4Peace remains committed to advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding, leadership, and development, the organization equally recognizes that the men with whom women live, work, and build communities are indispensable partners in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
According to Sahid, peaceful families, inclusive communities, and national development cannot be achieved while ignoring the mental well-being of men. She noted that when men suffer in silence, the consequences extend beyond individuals, affecting women, children, families, workplaces, and society at large.
She said the Elevate Men’s Seminar was established to provide a safe and supportive space where men can have honest conversations, access accurate information, and receive support without fear of judgment. Promoting gender equality, she added, also means promoting the well-being of everyone, regardless of gender.
Sahid clarified that the seminar was not intended to shift attention away from women’s issues but rather to acknowledge that healthier men contribute to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more peaceful Sierra Leone. She stressed that achieving inclusive development requires inclusive conversations and interventions that address the needs of both women and men.
As the seminar concluded, She4Peace presented every student in attendance with a personal journal titled “Live and Lead Your Best Life” to encourage self-reflection, emotional expression, and personal growth.
The organization also expressed appreciation to its sponsors and partners, including Rise Radio SL 96.3 FM, Rokel Commercial Bank, the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, the Center for Community Impact and Sustainability, Freetown Innovation Lab, and the many individuals and organizations whose support made the event possible.
The successful hosting of the Elevate Men’s Seminar 2.0 reaffirmed She4Peace’s commitment to promoting mental wellness, positive masculinity, and inclusive dialogue in Sierra Leone. Through the Elevate Men’s Programme, the organization continues to provide practical support to young men facing difficult life circumstances, helping them build resilience, restore hope, and achieve personal growth while contributing to stronger families and more peaceful communities.