By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a bold step toward strengthening women’s participation in governance, the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Trocaire, the Government of Ireland, and other partners, successfully organized a one-day national leadership and advocacy training for female councillors across Sierra Leone.
The event marked a major milestone in advancing the goals of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022. It also aligned with the launch of the National Women’s Movement Platform (NeWMaP) strategic plan and constitution, which aim to create national and district-level structures that support the affairs and leadership development of female councillors nationwide.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson applauded the remarkable turnout and reaffirmed the link between community growth and women’s empowerment. “If the community is developed, women will be developed—and if women are empowered, the community will move towards development,” he stated, emphasizing that women’s leadership is crucial to achieving meaningful progress at the local level.
The Honourable Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs commended CGG for its continuous leadership in championing women’s rights and development. She praised the councillors for their strong participation and commitment to public service, noting that the National Female Councillors (NFC) platform would provide them with the necessary tools to lead, influence, and inspire positive change. The Minister further encouraged unity and teamwork across party lines, urging women leaders to prioritize collaboration over division to amplify their collective voice in governance.
Representing Trocaire, the organization’s delegate underscored the importance of solidarity among women in leadership. She emphasized that when women speak with one voice, they can drive transformative change in their communities and the country at large.
The Executive Director of CGG facilitated the training sessions, which focused on equipping councillors with practical leadership and advocacy skills. She guided participants through key provisions of the Local Council Act of 2022, helping them better understand their roles, responsibilities, and opportunities to influence national policy for effective decentralization.
The training also sought to strengthen participants’ advocacy and lobbying skills to mobilize resources at the local level and build resilience in navigating political and governance challenges. By doing so, the program aimed to empower female councillors to champion development initiatives within their constituencies effectively.
A highlight of the event was the formal establishment of the National Female Councillors (NFC) platform. Elections were conducted peacefully using a voter college system, with representatives from 14 districts (excluding Moyamba and Pujehun). Elected positions included Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Organizing Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary—ensuring a broad and inclusive national representation.
The training concluded with a group photograph that captured the spirit of unity, confidence, and renewed commitment among the female councillors. The event marked not just a training session but a defining moment in women’s collective leadership, signaling a stronger, more coordinated voice for women in local governance and national decision-making.
