Women's Forum Sierra Leone (WFSL) recently concluded a week-long capacity building training programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of women-led civil society organizations to combat violence. The intensive initiative took place across Moyamba, Kailahun, and Falaba districts, reaching various communities with vital skills and knowledge. This full training forms a key part of the implementation of Outcome D of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a significant national effort to address violence against women and girls. Guiding the participants through the detailed curriculum was Idrissa Sesay, Programme Manager of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, whose expertise facilitated engaging and impactful sessions.
Strengthening CSO Capabilities
The capacity building training specifically focused on strengthening the institutional capacity for participating women-led civil society organizations. Over the course of the week, sessions during the program covered key areas essential for effective organizational operation and impact. These included leadership development, designed to empower local leaders and enhance their strategic decision-making abilities. Effective governance practices were also a central theme, providing frameworks for accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within the organizations. Prudent financial management was emphasized, equipping participants with the skills to manage resources efficiently and ensure the sustainability of their initiatives. Safeguarding protocols, key for protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring ethical intervention, and action planning, for developing tangible strategies, were also central to the training curriculum.
Participants in the program represented nine chiefdoms located across the three districts where the training was conducted: Moyamba, Kailahun, and Falaba. This broad representation ensured that the capacity-building efforts would have a wide-reaching impact at the community level. The full approach aimed to equip these organizations with the necessary skills to operate more effectively and responsibly within their communities, fostering a sustainable local response to violence. The instruction in leadership sought to empower local actors, enabling them to take proactive roles in addressing societal challenges. Meanwhile, the governance modules provided strong frameworks for accountability and transparency, essential for building trust and ensuring the integrity of their operations. Financial management lessons were meticulously designed to improve resource allocation and enhance the long-term sustainability for the CSOs, allowing them to maximize their impact with available funds. The emphasis on safeguarding aimed to ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals encountered during their work, aligning with best practices in humanitarian and development efforts and preventing further harm. Action planning sessions provided practical tools for developing and implementing targeted interventions against violence, translating learned concepts into concrete, actionable steps. These elements combined to create a holistic training experience, preparing the CSOs for sustained and impactful work.
Spotlight Initiative's Wider Goals
The Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is a three-year project dedicated to ending violence against women and girls across Sierra Leone. This ambitious project aims to create a society where all women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination. Women’s Forum Sierra Leone implements this initiative with key support from UN Women, leveraging their combined expertise and resources. The project represents a significant collaborative effort, bringing together several key partners. These collaborators include the Government of Sierra Leone, demonstrating national commitment to the cause; the United Nations, providing international guidance and support; and the European Union, contributing vital funding and strategic partnership. This joint effort shows a unified commitment to address gender-based violence comprehensively and systematically across the nation. The initiative's multi-sectoral approach seeks to strengthen institutions, promote gender-equitable norms, and provide services for survivors, all contributing to a safer environment for women and girls.
WFSL's Enduring Network
The recent capacity building training specifically targeted women-led Civil Society Organizations, recognizing their key role in grassroots advocacy and community mobilization. Women's Forum Sierra Leone, the implementing body for this critical training, was established in 1994, marking nearly three decades of dedicated service to women's rights and empowerment in Sierra Leone. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach and influence significantly, developing into a strong nationwide network that encompasses more than 300 member organizations across Sierra Leone. This extensive network allows WFSL to effectively coordinate efforts, share best practices, and amplify the voices of women and girls from diverse communities, making it a formidable force in the fight against violence and for gender equality.
Voices from the Ground
Participants in Moyamba District, following the full training, developed three-month action plans. These meticulously crafted plans are designed to guide their efforts in combating violence within their respective communities over the coming months, ensuring that the knowledge gained is immediately put into practice. The initiative seeks to place Civil Society Organizations at the forefront of advocacy, policy engagement, and accountability mechanisms, empowering them to drive change from within their communities. This strategic positioning aims to empower local groups to drive change and ensure that responses to violence are community-led and effective, fostering sustainable solutions that resonate with local needs and contexts. The emphasis on local ownership and action planning is key for long-term success in the fight against gender-based violence.
