UN Women & Others Launch Gender Mainstreaming Project

By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
UN Women, UNDP and the Government of Iceland in Collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs have launched the Gender Mainstreaming project with funds from the Government of Iceland.
The project which aims to strengthen institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming in Local Councils was launched on Thursday 30th January 2025 at the Sea View Estate, Peninsular Road in Western Rural District.
The Ambassador of Iceland, Asdis Bjarnadottis remarked that it is a good start and a sign of commitment on behalf of the Government of Iceland to be part of the lunching, and that it is important for Iceland’s development cooperation.
She said that as many of them know that quality is a forefront of all their work and that improved delivery of basic services at the local level is very important to the development cooperation of Iceland.
She said that she is pleased to have a representative from Iceland from their headquarters and also said that they believed that through their cooperation which is by empowering women and ensuring that the meaningful impact is incorporated in all sectors of society they will build a society that is both inclusive and just and that equality for women means progress for all.
She said that in Iceland Gender Equality is a priority through the implementation of policies that aim to reduce gender in balance and ensure more equal society.
Education and house care gaps have especially been closed and that women’s political participation is high and that women are integrated into the economy in different positions in leadership.
She referenced that presently in Iceland, their President is a woman, their Prime Minister is a woman, and there are women occupying ministerial positions.
She said that they have women in every sector of life in their country who are supporting local development and working interactively with local authorities to strengthen the capacity to deliver essential basic services to the citizens.
She said that they have seen their long-term partnership with district authority in other part of Africa such as Uganda have contributed to improved their performance and enhance services in addressing poverty and equality within the population.
She stated that they are proud to join hands with the Government and other partners and stakeholders to lunch the project which they see as a significant step towards inclusivity equality and sustainable development.
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina said as a Ministry they acknowledge with deep appreciation, the collaboration and thank the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare the UN Family especially the people and government of Iceland that has been pivotal to bring in the project.
He said that the presence of the of Iceland Ambassador to Sierra Leone is a clear manifestation of friendship between Sierra Leone and the Government and people of Iceland. He thanked the Ambassador for the funding and unwavering commitment to advance gender equality and empowerment of women in Sierra Leone and especially in the local Government Councils.
He cited that His Excellent President Julius Maada Bio has led attachment in gender-based issue not only in Sierra Leone but that the leadership for gender balanced has gone across the globe.
He emphasized that gender balanced is a critical tool to achieve sustainable development, social justice and inclusive government.
He said that as a government, they have created positions for Gender Officers in all Local Councils in Sierra Leone which is evidence for gender mainstreaming.
UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphin Wakanda said that they have been working tirelessly to be where they are presently, and that they want to thank the Iceland Government for their immense support to grace this wonderful programme.