15 July 2026 marked the successful conclusion of the inception meetings for the “Empowering Communities through Gender Responsive Local Governance” project in Sierra Leone, a transformative initiative funded by the Government of Iceland. The milestone signals the official transition from operational readiness to full implementation, as the consortium of partners—including UN Women, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Local Councils, and FAWE Sierra Leone—gears up to deliver lasting impact across five coastal districts: Kambia, Western Area Rural, Moyamba, Bonthe, and Port Loko.
The project aims to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inclusive service delivery, and amplify grassroots advocacy for women and marginalized groups. It builds on a foundation of stakeholder engagement conducted during the inception phase, where district council leaders, paramount chiefs, representatives of ministries, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth representatives, and persons with disabilities came together to deepen their understanding of the project’s objectives and strengthen local ownership.
Throughout the inception process, FAWE Sierra Leone’s membership network across the target districts demonstrated exceptional competence, professionalism, and readiness to lead implementation with confidence. Their experience and commitment reaffirm that the team is well-positioned to deliver sustainable change. The inception meetings allowed partners to harmonize their plans around a shared strategic vision, reflecting the professionalism and dedication required to drive meaningful development.
FAWE Sierra Leone expressed particular appreciation for the active participation of its team, whose valuable insights and constructive contributions helped establish a strong foundation for the project’s success. The spirit of collaboration exhibited during the inception phase is expected to carry into the field as partners begin implementation across the five districts. The project will also focus on strengthening local councils to provide gender-responsive public services, improving responses to gender-based violence, and expanding economic opportunities for women and young people.
On behalf of the Executive Board and Management of FAWE Sierra Leone, the organization extended its sincere thanks to the Government of Iceland for providing the funds to implement this exciting initiative. As field implementation commences, the project aims to create stronger institutions, empower communities, and ensure that no woman or marginalized group is left behind. “Together, we can create stronger institutions, empower communities, and ensure that no woman or marginalized group is left behind,” the statement read.