Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has intensified efforts to expand financial opportunities for women in rural communities through a strategic partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
At a recent engagement, both institutions discussed the implementation of the Rural Finance Project – Phase II, which seeks to scale up community banks offering loans for small businesses, education, and housing. The initiative also emphasizes financial literacy, farming mechanization, and inclusive capacity building for women, including those with disabilities.
The meeting underscored the importance of gender and youth inclusion, ensuring that more women benefit from project interventions. Stakeholders further highlighted the need to raise awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and strengthen protections for women’s rights in rural areas.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration, enhancing project visibility, and expanding outreach to rural women. Through partnerships like this, the Ministry continues to champion initiatives that improve livelihoods, empower women, and advance gender equality across Sierra Leone.