For 3 consecutive years, we have supported Sierra Leone’s efforts toward a smooth democratic transition by ensuring the inclusion of its citizens, particularly young people and women, in decision-making and governance. The project United for Greater Governance and Participation: Empowering Rural Communities to Strengthen Local Governance and Accountability Processes, funded by the European Union, continues these efforts.
We led this project in partnership with the Centre for Coordination of Youth Activities in 6 rural districts. As part of the project, we trained 24 civil society organizations in civic outreach to their peers and gave them small grants to implement peacebuilding activities with women and youth. As a result, some civil society organizations have gained enough autonomy and confidence to strengthen their collaboration even beyond the project; they have now partnered to independently run other initiatives.
We also launched a series of dialogues between citizens and policymakers on issues like violence against women and girls and education. “The best thing about this project is that activities are shaped by community people, led by us, the civil society organizations. This means that our project is addressing specific needs in line with issues of concern to the population, matters that citizens and stakeholders are seeking solutions for. Our peer-to-peer town hall and policy dialogues are breaking the silence and giving solutions appropriate to everyone”, said a participant in the project.
In addition, we ran awareness-raising campaigns broadcasted by radio partners through our series Atunda Ayenda and Uman 4 Uman. These have been extremely effective in reaching a wider audience and inspiring women, men, and youth to become informed citizens, zealous to participate in the governance of their communities. “Uman 4 Uman is all about inspiring women by telling the experiences of other women. When I listen to Uman 4 Uman, I always tell myself that I can do it, if they can do it. That is why I’m in love with the program. I hear women from my District Kono talking on the radio”, said a listener.
Through the many activities of this project, we have been able to build local capacity to monitor service delivery and improve government accountability, as well as continue supporting citizens’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
