By Jeneba Conteh.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations, and World Vision, held a three-day national conference on financing for women’s peace and security at the Lumely Atlantic Hall in Freetown on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The conference’s goal was to advance inclusive and sustainable financing strategies for gender equality and peacebuilding in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Isha Fofana Ibrahim Deen, Chairperson of the Faculty of Arts at Fourah Bay College (FBC), emphasised the critical importance of funding initiatives that empower women. She stated that, while significant progress has been made in addressing gender equity, particularly in terms of funding peace and security initiatives, there is still work to be done.
Emelia Kamara Jengo, a representative of the Women’s Focus Coalition, addressed the conference attendees and emphasised the critical need for funding in the women, peace, and security sectors. She emphasised the important role women play in finance, peacekeeping, security, and post-conflict reconstruction. Despite their undeniable contributions, Jengo lamented the ongoing lack of funding and resources for the WPS agenda. She argued that peace cannot be achieved without the active participation of women, who are both victims of conflict and key agents of social change.
Jengo urged all stakeholders, including government agencies and national and international organisations, to increase their financial support for the WPS agenda. She insisted that funding be not only available, but also accessible, flexible, and tailored to the specific needs of women-led initiatives. This includes investing in women’s capacity development, assisting women’s networks and organisations, and incorporating gender-responsive budgeting into national peace and security strategies.
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, stated in her keynote address that the conference represented a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts to promote the WPS agenda in Sierra Leone. She emphasised the country’s determination to increase funding to ensure the successful implementation of the third generation of the national action plan for women, peace, and security. Dr. Mahoi stated that it has been nearly 25 years since the United Nations passed the groundbreaking Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on women, peace, and security.
The Minister also highlighted Sierra Leone’s pioneering role in West Africa, stating that the country was the first to develop a national action plan for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2009. She reported steady progress in implementing the WPS agenda since the initial plan’s adoption, noting that the country has passed three critical gender justice laws aimed at improving women’s roles in society.
Madam Seraphine Wakana, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasised the importance of intentional, gender-responsive approaches by the government and civil society organisations. She urged stakeholders to prioritise women in conflict-affected communities, women in business, and grassroots activists. Wakana stated that supporting women in all sectors necessitates dedication and innovative public-private partnerships that include women entrepreneurs as co-investors and leaders, rather than passive recipients.
She also emphasised the importance of inclusive financial instruments that enable women’s organisations to access and manage resources effectively. Wakana concluded by reaffirming the United Nations family in Sierra Leone’s commitment to integrating WPS priorities into national financing strategies, thereby strengthening women’s organisations’ ability to secure funding for peace and development initiatives.
