By: Sallu Kamuskay
A one-day capacity building training for women-led civil society organisations has started in Moyamba District under Outcome D of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a three-year project aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
The training is being implemented by Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, with support from UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, United Nations and the European Union.
Led by Idrissa Sesay, the training focused on leadership, governance, financial management, and safeguarding. It forms part of activities to strengthen women-led CSOs and address capacity gaps among sub-grantees.
Speaking during the session, Mrs. Sally N. Adams, President of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, thanked participants and urged them to take the training seriously.
She said violence against women remains a major concern in society and encouraged participants to take the message back to their communities.
“We founded the Women’s Forum in 1994, and today we have over 300 network members across the country working to protect and promote the rights of women and girls,” she said.
She added that the organisation is excited to work with UN Women as one of the lead implementing partner for the Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone.
Idrissa Sesay also highlighted the prevalence of violence against women in Sierra Leone. He said the training is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to respond to these challenges and strengthen their advocacy work.
Participants later developed three-month action plans to address violence against women in Moyamba District. Presenting on behalf of her group, Matinda Mayeni Mama of the Generational Impact Movement called for attitude change, noting that cultural norms make it difficult for some young advocates to speak out.
“We are not unruly. What we need is to set examples and get support and protection,” she said.
Another participant, Mary H. Bundu, called for follow-up and sustainability, stressing that real change will only happen if mindsets are transformed and local methods are used to engage communities.
The training in Moyamba is part of a broader rollout that will also take place in Kailahun and Falaba districts. The main goal of Outcome D under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is to place civil society at the centre of advocacy, policy influence, and accountability to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices across Sierra Leone.
