BY: MOHAMED SAHR
A national stakeholders’ initiative aimed at strengthening peace and empowering women and youths was held today at the Vannila Complex in Aberdeen, Freetown. Organized by the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) in partnership with USAID and Trocaire, the event focused on promoting peace-building and good governance through the People-to-People Project, particularly in Karene District and at the national level.
Landiya Ade-Williams, Project Manager for the People-to-People Project at CGG, emphasized the significance of the event. She highlighted the initiative’s goal to provide an in-depth overview of the project and to incorporate institutions dedicated to peace-building and empowerment into a collaborative multi-stakeholder platform. “We hope to carry forward our expertise and our diversity in this platform,” Ade-Williams stated.
The initiative showcased a blueprint for promoting peace, good governance, and empowerment in Sierra Leone. Samuel Konkofa Koroma, Chief of Party for Trocaire under the USAID-funded project, explained the project’s title, “Strengthening Peace Infrastructure and Accountability Through Community-Led Peace Building and Empowerment of Women and Youths in Sierra Leone.” Koroma outlined the project’s aim to mitigate violence and enhance leadership and peace-building roles for women and youths, who face significant barriers such as discrimination, unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.
Koroma highlighted the project’s achievements since 2023, including training 750 peace ambassadors, forming coordinating groups, and enhancing networks among women and youths. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current political environment, inflation, and limited female representation in leadership roles.
Boima Miller, Finance Officer of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, praised the efforts of CGG, Trocaire, and USAID in fostering sustainable peace and participation of women and youths. She emphasized the importance of community-led peacebuilding and commended President Bio for enforcing a 30% quota for women in governance and leadership.
Issa Belmond Thullah, Team Lead for Research and Assessment at the Office of National Security (ONS), discussed the national security architecture and the importance of operationalizing security at various levels. He stressed the role of diverse sectors in maintaining national security and peace.
The initiative underscored the collective efforts needed to address ongoing challenges and promote a peaceful, inclusive society in Sierra Leone.
