Caritas Freetown Empowers Young Women in Politics
Caritas Freetown, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and supported by the UN Peace Building Fund, hosted a two-day training program on November 22–23, 2024, at the Western Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo. The event aimed to empower young women, including those with disabilities, to engage actively in politics.
The training focused on vital skills such as public speaking, advocacy, and lobbying, with the goal of equipping participants to influence political processes and advocate for women’s rights.
Eliza Sillah, Programme Coordinator at Caritas, emphasized that the program aimed to build women’s confidence and equip them with the skills necessary for political involvement. She stressed that this training would empower them to share their newfound knowledge within their communities.
Foday Sesay, from the Ministry of Gender, discussed the barriers women face in politics, such as reproductive and community roles, and encouraged women to prioritize personal growth alongside family responsibilities.
Keynote speaker Doris Webber highlighted the importance of advocacy and lobbying in driving social and political change, urging young people in the western region to take responsibility for shaping their communities.
Training participant and young women’s leader, Margaret M. Fofanah, stressed the need for women to be represented in political decision-making. Councillor Alimatu Kamara also expressed her support for the training, recognizing its role in encouraging young women to participate in politics.
The program also covered gender laws, the GEWE Act, and strategies for forming women’s organizations, further equipping participants to advocate for themselves and their communities. This event marked a vital step towards creating a more inclusive political environment in Sierra Leone.
