By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Caritas, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF), organized a one-day workshop aimed at equipping young women with essential leadership and communication skills. Held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the New Sella Spot on Kingharman Road in Freetown, the event focused on topics such as: “Effective Communication”, “Leadership”, “Coordination”, “Resource Mobilization”, “Group Mentorship” and “Coaching”.
The workshop was part of the Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding Project, an initiative designed to empower young women to drive positive change and foster peace within their communities. A total of 56 young women, all executive members of local groups, participated in the training, which covered crucial skills such as group leadership, fundraising, strategic communication and community collaboration.
Experienced facilitators from diverse professional backgrounds led the sessions. Notable topics included: Leadership and Accountability delivered by the Founder and CEO of TADRIS Foundation Vocational Institute, the session focused on ethical leadership, accountability and governance structures within organizations.
Grace Kortu of SEND Sierra Leone guided participants on enhancing teamwork and achieving collective success. On Effective Communication, the Assistant Project Coordinator of UNPBF led the session, emphasizing impactful communication strategies, negotiation and advocacy skills were as on Entrepreneurship and Resource Mobilization, Christiana M. Bangura, Founder and Director of Girls in STEM Initiative SL, shared innovative fundraising techniques and strategies for sustainable business development.
Madam Eliza Sillah, Project Coordinator, highlighted the workshop’s importance in empowering young women by equipping them with critical skills in leadership, communication and resource mobilization. She emphasized that such competencies are essential for sustainable community development and peacebuilding.
Several participants expressed their gratitude for the workshop and shared their insights.
Saffiatu Sheriff from Brookfields Community remarked, “The leadership session has transformed my understanding of what it takes to be a leader. I now have a broader perspective on how to lead effectively and inspire change in my community.”
Abibatu Kamara, President of United Women in Crab Town Community, shared her excitement about applying her newfound knowledge. “This workshop has been an eye-opener. The leadership skills I’ve gained will help me better mobilize and coordinate efforts within my community.”
Caritas and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering youth leadership, particularly among young women, as a cornerstone for peacebuilding and social transformation. The workshop’s impact is expected to ripple through participants’ communities, leading to long-term sustainable development and stability.
The Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding Project continues to offer platforms for young women to enhance their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to governance and decision-making across Sierra Leone. With ongoing mentorship and support, the program aims to strengthen women’s roles in leadership and community governance.
