Govt. of Sierra Leone, Iceland, UN Women & UNDP Wrap up GEWE Mapping in 5 Districts

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 taken a major step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across the country.
‎This move was marked during the National Validation Workshop and Equipment Handover Ceremony held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown on Friday.
The donated items included: Laptops, workstations, cabinets, printers, toners, projector, stationeries (paper, pens, staples), field jackets for gender officers, motor bikes, and electrical extensions.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, and members of the diplomatic community, committed to advancing gender-inclusive governance and strengthening institutional capacity at the local level.
‎The project, known as the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Gender Mainstreaming in Local Councils, aims to equip councils with tools and knowledge to implement gender-responsive policies.
‎Speaking at the event, the Head of UN Women in Sierra Leone, Ms. Setcheme Mongbo called for stronger and sustained action to bridge gender gaps across all sectors. She commended the government for its progress under the GEWE Act but noted that implementation challenges still exist.
‎“The launch of this new report underscores the convergence of strong national policies and international cooperation, particularly with Iceland. This partnership will help councils to implement gender-responsive policies, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and engage communities in GEWE initiatives,” she said.
‎Mongbo added that while UN Women continues to work with ministries and agencies to set up gender units, logistical and policy alignment remain a challenge.
‎“Not to forget the long-delayed pending bills that would enable women and girls to fully enjoy their human rights and contribute to the country’s progress,” she stressed.
‎Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Tamba Lamina, emphasised the role of local councils as the engine of delivery of most government programmes and policies.
‎He described the findings from the study in five councils as important and relevant to all local councils nationwide.
“If we look at the local councils where you went to, there are now women in leadership as the head of issues, either as chairpersons or deputies, and that is quite a critical progress we have made as a government,” he said.
‎Lamina further acknowledged that funding gaps continue to limit full implementation.
‎The Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland Ms. Ásdís Bjarnadóttir, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion in Sierra Leone.
‎She said the mapping report presented during the ceremony provided valuable insights into the real-life experiences of women and men across the five pilot districts.
‎“It highlights both the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain in ensuring that women and girls can fully participate in society, free from barriers and discrimination,” she noted.
‎Bjarnadóttir explained that the Government of Iceland is supporting the provision of computers, printers, and motorbikes to help local councils perform gender-related work more effectively and efficiently.
‎“This is not simply about handing over equipment,” she emphasised. “It is about empowering gender offices and councils to address gender-based issues, promote inclusion, strengthen accountability, and ensure that women’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making.”
‎The Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Mr. Charles Vandi, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full endorsement of the GEWE Mapping and Capacity Needs Assessment.
‎He commended the collaboration between UN Women, UNDP, and the Government of Iceland, describing it as a practical demonstration of shared commitment to gender equality.
‎“These resources provided to our district councils today are more than symbolic. They represent a tangible investment in building the capacity of our local institutions to lead with equity and impact,” Vandi said.
‎Representing the Chief Minister, Permanent Secretary Kenei Lamin underscored that the handing over of equipment to the five district councils- Port Loko, Kambia, Moyamba, Bonthe, and Western Area Rural, aims to strengthen gender-responsive systems at the local level.
‎“The data validation exercise we undertake today is not merely a technical milestone; it is a strategic enabler,” Lamin said. “It equips our councils to mainstream gender into local development plans, budgets, and service delivery.”