By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a major stride toward grassroots peacebuilding, the Mano River Women’s Peace Network (MARWOPNET) has empowered 30 women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) through an intensive series of training sessions in Makeni and Freetown, aimed at strengthening community-level conflict resolution and promoting women’s participation in peace and security.
Held between April 12 and 18, 2025, the initiative is part of a broader peacebuilding programme funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and implemented in partnership with UN Women, UNDP, and World Vision. The training targeted CSOs from six key districts—Karene, Bombali, Kono, Pujehun, and both Western Area Urban and Rural—areas identified as hotspots for conflict prevention and social cohesion.
The programme, titled “Localisation and Working Together for Peace: Repositioning Women-Focused CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sierra Leone,” is part of ongoing efforts to build inclusive and resilient communities through the effective use of the Sierra Leone National Action Plan III (SILNAP III) on Women, Peace, and Security.
“This is not just a workshop—it’s a movement,” declared Rosaline McCarthy, MARWOPNET’s National Focal Person and lead trainer. “We designed the training to be hands-on, empowering CSOs with practical tools for mediation, early warning systems, and community engagement. Our goal is to shift these organizations from observers to actors—leaders in their districts, driving sustainable peace.”
Participants delved into real-world case studies, exploring how grassroots initiatives can avert conflict through mediation, partnerships with chiefs, police, and youth leaders, and by leveraging SILNAP III as a blueprint for action.
Marian Samu, Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy and one of the key facilitators, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in peace processes. “When women are included, peace is deeper and more enduring. This training has equipped our CSO members to advocate effectively, engage in dialogue, and take ownership of peacebuilding initiatives at every level,” she explained.
Also leading sessions was Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah, a media and gender expert, who stressed the need for robust monitoring and reporting. “We introduced practical templates for documenting conflict, tracking human rights violations, and measuring peace outcomes. If we can’t document it, we can’t change it,” she said.
Hannah Mallah, Sub-regional Vice President of MARWOPNET, described the initiative as a long-term investment in peace. “These trainings are planting seeds of transformation. We’re creating a coalition of capable, confident women-led CSOs who will advocate for safe, inclusive communities for women and girls across the country,” she affirmed.
Born out of a groundbreaking 2000 peace initiative uniting women from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, MARWOPNET has grown into a powerful sub-regional platform that works closely with national governments and international partners to build sustainable peace in the Mano River Basin.
As a lead implementing agency under the PBF programme, MARWOPNET will continue to support trained CSOs in expanding their advocacy efforts, deepening local partnerships, and scaling peace interventions. The work aligns with both global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goals 5 and 16—and Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
With this new wave of empowered CSOs, the peacebuilding landscape in Sierra Leone is poised for transformation—from reactive conflict resolution to proactive, women-led change. SKS/22/4/2025
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