Sierra Leone — October 18, 2025: In a significant step toward improving sanitation and empowering women through access to public services, Hearts & Minds Consulting, in partnership with the Freetown City Council (FCC), hosted a stakeholder meeting at Jalloh Terrace as part of The Carter Center’s Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign.
The meeting, held on October 18, brought together a diverse group of participants including community leaders, market women, youth representatives, service providers, and local councillor Zainab Conteh. The gathering aimed to raise awareness about FCC’s waste management services and to develop practical strategies for enhancing waste collection and disposal in the community.
Key issues discussed included irregular waste collection schedules, the absence of designated waste disposal points, and the urgent need for ongoing public education on proper waste management practices. In response, community leaders pledged to spearhead awareness campaigns and reaffirmed their commitment to building a cleaner, healthier Jalloh Terrace — and by extension, a cleaner Freetown.
The Inform Women, Transform Lives initiative focuses on expanding women’s access to vital public information, with a special emphasis on gender-responsive waste management services. Central to the campaign is the #8244 helpline, a dedicated channel that connects women directly to essential municipal and social services.
Additional components of the campaign include:
- 🎨 Community-based public art, such as murals, to visually promote awareness.
- 🤝 Partnerships with civil society organizations to extend service access.
- 📢 A gender-responsive media and communications strategy to ensure women receive timely, actionable information that improves daily life.
The stakeholder meeting marks a pivotal moment in the community’s ongoing efforts to address sanitation challenges while empowering women with the tools and information they need to lead change.