By Millicent Senava Mannah
Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and supported by the UN Peace Building Fund, hosted a two-day training program aimed at empowering young women aspirants, including individuals with disabilities, to actively participate in politics. The event, held on November 22 and 23, 2024, took place at the Western Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo and focused on imparting essential skills such as public speaking, mobilization, advocacy and lobbying.
The training sought to equip young women with the tools needed to influence political processes and advocate for women’s rights.
Eliza Sillah, Programme Coordinator at Caritas, explained that the training aimed to boost women’s confidence and provide them with the skills necessary to participate in decision-making. “Many women want to participate in politics but lack the confidence or skills to do so. This training will not only equip them but also empower them to share what they have learned with others in their communities,” Eliza Sillah noted.
Foday Sesay, a representative from the Ministry of Gender, highlighted the critical need for self-belief and empowerment, urging women to overcome societal obstacles and not allow men to hinder their advancement. He identified the main challenges women face in politics: reproductive roles, production roles and community expectations. Foday Sesay pointed out how reproductive duties often take precedence over personal and professional development, limiting women’s engagement in areas like politics.
“Too often, women prioritize household responsibilities over opportunities that could drive their personal and professional growth,” Foday Sesay remarked, calling for more proactive steps to help women engage in empowerment activities that foster personal and community development.
Key speaker, Doris Webber, spoke on the significance of advocacy and the role of lobbying in driving social and political change. She emphasized that collective action, particularly through lobbying, is vital for advancing women’s rights and addressing community and labor-related issues. Doris Webber further highlighted how equipping women with the necessary skills could empower them to make meaningful changes in their communities.
“Young people, particularly in the western region, must be encouraged to take responsibility for their rights and contribute to shaping the future of their communities,” Doris Webber urged.
Margaret M. Fofanah, a young women leader and training participant, passionately stressed the importance of women’s involvement in politics. She discussed the significant barriers women face, including the lack of political representation and the need for greater empowerment.
“Women must have a seat at the decision-making table. The fight for empowerment is ongoing and we must ensure that our voices are heard in the political space,” Margaret M. Fofanah stated.
Councillor Alimatu Kamara from Ward C Rural District Council also shared her gratitude for the training, emphasizing its importance in encouraging young women to participate in politics. She acknowledged the progress made within local councils and highlighted the need for further support to help young women overcome societal challenges and negative perceptions about their roles in politics.
In addition to political engagement, the training also covered key topics such as gender laws, the GEWE Act (Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act) and strategies for establishing women’s organizations. Participants were equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves and their communities, ensuring that they remain active contributors to political and social change.
The event marked a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive political environment for young women in Sierra Leone, empowering them with the skills and confidence to drive social change and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
