By: Audrey Raymonda John
CoMNet Sierra Leone, a non-governmental organization, unveiled gender equity promotion, with a focus on land use, during a press conference held on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, at its head office in Freetown.
Theophilus Sahr Gbenda, Executive Director of CoMNet-SL, said the project would promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and land utilization across the country.
He emphasized that CoMNet is a registered media advocacy and awareness-raising-based
Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The main aim of the Network is to use the media as an effective tool for raising awareness and championing advocacy on issues affecting the vast majority of the citizenry.
He said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) supports the community media network initiative.
Emmanuel Gbondo, Project Manager, said the project’s purpose is to sensitize communities on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s rights.
Madam Aminata Finda Massaquoi, Chairperson of CoMNet-SL, revealed that a new project titled ‘Promotion of Gender Equality with special focus on Land Use’ has been launched. With funds from Bread for the World (BtW) in Germany, the project seeks to complement the Government’s efforts in enhancing gender equality and land rights in the country.
“The strategic methodology of the project is to popularise the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, the Customary Land Rights Act 2022, the National Land Policy, and other local and international best practice instruments geared towards the promotion of gender equality and effective land governance,” madam Massaquoi said.
She stated that the project’s implementation spans from June 2024 to November 2025 and has a moderate budget of 70,000 Euros. Madam Massaquoi said CoMNet-SL is determined to ensure the successful implementation of the project, as this will serve as justification for the potential extension of the project.
In her remark, she noted that this is the first time CoMNet-SL is receiving funds from Bread for the World and is therefore proud of this significant milestone in our work.
“We shall use our fullest media strength as one of the biggest media networks in the country to raise and promote public awareness on the contents of the legal instruments protecting the rights of citizens,” she said.
Madam Massasquoi thanked Bread for the World for funding and the Government of Sierra Leone for creating the legal framework for enhancing gender parity and protecting citizens’ rights to own and use land for development and agricultural purposes.
