By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Amnesty International Sierra Leone convened a Governance Engagement and Planning Meeting for its National Women’s Forum on Thursday 5 March 2026 at the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown. The meeting brought together 40 women participants drawn from different parts of the country to deliberate on strengthening women’s leadership, governance structures and advocacy within the organization.
The engagement provided a platform for participants to reflect on the progress of women within the network, examine challenges affecting women’s participation in leadership and decision making, and develop strategies to strengthen the role of women in advancing human rights and gender equality.
Speaking during the presentation of the position statement of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Section Director, Solomon M. Sogbandi, emphasized that genuine gender equality cannot be achieved without gender equity. He stressed that women must actively claim space in leadership and public life and move beyond historical barriers created by custom, culture and law at local, national and international levels.
Solomon M. Sogbandi noted that while structures and opportunities exist within the organization to support women’s empowerment, progress ultimately depends on women positioning themselves for leadership through education, training and professional development. He cautioned against aspiring to leadership roles without the necessary qualifications and encouraged participants to invest in both basic and advanced education, legal literacy and practical competencies.
The Section Director highlighted examples of women within the Amnesty International Sierra Leone network who have progressed in education and leadership positions such as school Principals, senior teachers, supervisors and other professionals. According to him, those achievements demonstrate the growing capacity of women to influence institutions and communities.
He also underscored the importance of building a larger and more qualified membership base within the organization further explaining that a stronger and more capable membership enhances the organization’s ability to influence public policy and promote social change. He encouraged women to apply for current and upcoming gender related positions within the organization, noting that three vacancies had recently been advertised.
Solomon Sogbandi further urged participants to understand and utilize the law as a tool for protecting their rights and advocating for justice. According to him, awareness of legal rights is fundamental to confronting harmful practices and resisting exploitation in families and communities. He condemned all forms of coercion and abuse against women and called on women to speak out, seek justice and support one another in defending their rights.
Participants later worked in groups to develop a comprehensive activity plan for the Amnesty International Sierra Leone Women’s Forum. The groups presented their proposals outlining key initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation, leadership development and advocacy activities across the country.
During the meeting, Campaign Coordinator, Jaiah KaiKai, led a memorial tribute in honour of the late Mrs. Alimatu Massaquoi, a dedicated staff member of Amnesty International Sierra Leone whose contributions to the organization were recognized by the Secretariat.
The forum also conducted elections for a new National Women’s Forum Executive. The election process was conducted by Christina Mary Fabai and Jaiah KaiKai.
The newly elected executive members are Yalia Kamara as Organizing Secretary, Lucy Ann Mansaray as Public Relations Officer One, Irene Conteh as Public Relations Officer Two, Katimu Stevens as Financial Secretary, Rugiatu Sillah as National Secretary General, Christiana Ensa as Deputy Secretary General and Isha Wilson Clarke as Women’s Leader of Amnesty International Sierra Leone.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the newly elected Women’s Leader, Isha Wilson Clarke , expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in her leadership and thanked members for their support. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective participation in achieving the Forum’s objectives, stating that effective leadership depends on unity and collaboration.
Isha Wilson Clarke called on members to remain actively engaged, share their ideas and work together to strengthen the Forum’s activities. She also encouraged open communication among members to address concerns and avoid misunderstandings, assuring participants that her leadership would remain inclusive and responsive.
She reaffirmed her commitment to serving the forum with humility while working with members to advance the goals of the women’s network and strengthen its role in promoting women’s rights and leadership across Sierra Leone.
The Governance Engagement and Planning Meeting forms part of Amnesty International Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to strengthen women’s participation in leadership and decision making ,while reinforcing the role of the National Women’s Forum in advancing gender equality, human rights advocacy and inclusive governance across the country.
