In September 2026, a powerful movement for inclusive governance took root in Bonthe District, Sierra Leone. FAWE Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Women Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, concluded district stakeholder engagements for the “Breaking the Chains” Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Local Governance project. The initiative, funded by the Government of Iceland, focused on inclusive service delivery and represented a bold step toward ensuring that no one was left behind in the pursuit of equitable development.
The Bonthe district engagement united local leaders, chiefs, community champions, civil society organisations, women, youth, persons with disabilities and religious figures. Together, they came to support key milestones, including the effective implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022 and the Ending Child Marriage Act. The gathering was more than a meeting; it was a collective affirmation that lasting change required the active participation of all members of society.
The engagement focused on several critical areas. Inclusive governance was at the forefront, with local leaders, chiefs and community champions engaged to strengthen service delivery. Legal awareness was also prioritised, with the promotion of key legislative milestones such as the GEWE Act of 2022 and the Ending Child Marriage Act. These laws represented significant victories in the fight for gender equality, but their impact depended on effective implementation and widespread awareness.
The engagement had started to empower marginalised groups and amplify grassroots voices in Bonthe District to promote inclusive governance. It was a powerful reminder that change did not happen in isolation; it happened when communities came together, when diverse voices were heard, and when leaders committed to serving all their constituents with equity and dignity.
As an organisation, FAWE believed that lasting change happened with communities, not for communities. This principle guided every aspect of the Bonthe engagement and underscored the importance of participatory approaches to development. By bringing together such a diverse array of stakeholders, the project created a space where dialogue could flourish, trust could be built, and collective action could take root.
The “Breaking the Chains” project represented a comprehensive approach to addressing the systemic barriers that had historically excluded marginalised groups from decision-making processes. It recognised that inclusive governance was not merely a goal but a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development. When women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups had a seat at the table, policies and services were more responsive, more effective and more just.
The conclusion of the district stakeholder engagements in Bonthe marked not an end but a beginning. The conversations, commitments and connections forged during the engagement would serve as the foundation for continued collaboration and action. FAWE Sierra Leone, together with its partners, remained steadfast in its commitment to breaking the chains of exclusion and building a future where every person could participate fully in the life of their community.