On Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Family Kingdom in Freetown, Christian Aid, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), and other partners launched the $1.9 million Women’s Land for Peace Project.
The initiative aims to foster public awareness and understanding of the project while defining the roles of key stakeholders in its implementation. Spanning two years, the project will be implemented in four districts-Port Loko, Kailahun, Kono, and Tonkolili-in collaboration with five national organizations: Green Scenery, Network Movement for Justice and Development, Women’s Network for Environmental Sustainability, Barefoot Women Solar Engineer Association of Sierra Leone and the 50/50 Group
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Gender and Child Affairs, Isata Mahoi, highlighted the significance of this project in addressing gender inequality.
“This initiative aligns with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day-‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.’ It recognizes the on-going challenges and underscores the importance of the work being undertaken,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the project aims to empower women by fostering peace building efforts and ensuring gender-transformative land and natural resource management.
Mattia Koi Dimoh, Country Director of Christian Aid, underscored the transformative potential of the project, stating that it would create pathways to peace through natural resource management.
“This project will help mitigate conflict by addressing gender biases in land ownership,” he noted.
He further stated that the initiative will: Strengthen women-led organizations to combat gender-based discrimination in land ownership. Promote a peaceful and gender-inclusive approach to conflict resolution related to land issues. Support the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Land Acts.
Seraphine Wakana, UN Country Representative, acknowledged the challenges women face, particularly in land and resource management decision-making. “Denying women their rights is unacceptable. We must not remain silent in the face of violations against women and girls,” she asserted.
In her closing remarks, she emphasized the need for collaborative approaches and innovative strategies to ensure the project’s success.
“Sierra Leone has made strides in empowering women. More women are breaking barriers, leading in various sectors, and securing their rightful place in society. Women have fought for-and won-the right to vote, work, and lead,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside the government, partners, civil society, and communities to advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, as outlined in the Sierra Leone Third Generation National Action Plan for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related instruments.
