By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Kambia District, Sierra Leone – ABC Development has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality with a community awareness session focused on women’s rights and leadership inclusion. The event, held in Magbema and Munuthallah chiefdoms, gathered 30 participants—including 20 female group members and 10 male community stakeholders—under a project funded by the Irish Civil Society Partnership through Trócaire.
The session provided a crucial platform for dialogue on legal rights and persistent cultural barriers that hinder women’s leadership opportunities, particularly for positions such as town chief or headman. Despite existing laws that guarantee equal rights, many women remain excluded from leadership and decision-making spaces.
Beatrice B. Bangura, Project Manager of ABC Development, led the discussions, supported by team members Kadiatu Mansaray, Adama Sillah, and Foday Mansaray. She emphasized the need for action beyond awareness, stating:
“Awareness alone is not enough—it must be followed by action. Communities must recognize that women’s leadership is a right, not a favor.”
Several women passionately advocated for their rightful place in governance, urging traditional and community leaders to uphold gender equality laws.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for what the law says we are entitled to—the right to lead and serve our communities,” said Elizabeth Kamara, one of the participants.
Positive Male Engagement in Gender Advocacy
The engagement of male community stakeholders proved valuable, with several men expressing support for women’s leadership efforts. Their willingness to challenge traditional norms was viewed as a positive shift in mindset, essential for future advocacy success.
“Women can be good representatives as well, so their voices must be heard,” remarked Alusine Kamara, one of the male participants.
ABC Development, a long-standing advocate for grassroots empowerment, continues to dismantle traditional barriers and foster inclusive governance.
As the session concluded, participants agreed on the need for continued engagement and stronger community advocacy. Plans are underway for additional training and support groups to encourage more women to confidently pursue leadership positions.
With ongoing support from partners such as the Irish Civil Society Partnership and Trócaire, ABC Development aims to expand awareness programs to more communities, reinforcing the belief that sustainable development depends on the full Officially known as the Association for the Well-Being of Rural Communities and Development (ABC Development), the organization is based in Kambia District, Sierra Leone, and has championed grassroots empowerment since its establishment in 1996.
ABC Development has played a key role in governance, gender advocacy, and health education, including collaborations with ActionAid Sierra Leone and the Budget Advocacy Network on the Action for Inclusive Social Economic Service Delivery project. The organization has also led HIV/AIDS sensitization campaigns across Kambia District to promote public health awareness.
ABC Development continues to inspire hope and action, proving that community-driven initiatives can create lasting change across Sierra Leone.