GADNet Sierra Leone has joined UN Women Sierra Leone and other development partners in a new initiative aimed at strengthening gender-responsive and inclusive local governance, with a particular focus on increasing the participation of young people, women and other marginalised groups in community decision-making.
The partnership was formally marked through the symbolic signing of the Empowering Communities Through Gender-Responsive Local Governance initiative, funded by the Embassy of Iceland in Freetown.
The programme brings together GADNet Sierra Leone, UN Women Sierra Leone, FAWE Sierra Leone Chapter, ActionAid and the Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organisation (WAADO), working in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone.
Key government institutions involved include the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government, as part of efforts to strengthen local governance structures and make them more responsive to the needs and voices of citizens.
The initiative is expected to promote greater participation of women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in governance processes, particularly at community and local government levels.
For GADNet Sierra Leone, the partnership will place strong emphasis on youth participation and leadership, providing opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to local governance and community development.
The organisation described its component of the initiative as a youth delivery programme, designed to champion inclusive governance at community level and ensure that young people are actively involved in decisions affecting their communities.
Activities under the programme will be implemented in Port Loko, Kambia, Moyamba and Bonthe districts, as well as the Western Area Rural District.
Through community engagement, advocacy and participation in local governance processes, the initiative seeks to create platforms where traditionally underrepresented groups can express their concerns, influence decisions and contribute to development priorities.
The partnership also reflects wider efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive governance in Sierra Leone by strengthening the relationship between communities, civil society organisations and government institutions.
By bringing young people and marginalised groups closer to local decision-making structures, the programme aims to help build governance systems in which communities are not only consulted but are actively involved in shaping policies and development initiatives that affect their lives
