The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is advancing sustainable peace in Sierra Leone through the development of an advocacy toolkit tailored for women-focused Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This initiative reinforces UNDP’s commitment to empowering women as pivotal agents of peacebuilding and gender-inclusive development in post-conflict settings.

The toolkit is designed to equip women-focused CSOs with practical tools and strategies to amplify their voices, strengthen advocacy efforts, and engage effectively in policy dialogues addressing the root causes of conflict and inequality. It serves as a resource to enhance their capacity for navigating political landscapes, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and driving community-based peace initiatives.

This initiative is part of the Localization and Working-Together for Peace: Repositioning Women-Focused CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sierra Leone project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and implemented by UNDP, UN Women, and World Vision in collaboration with CSOs. The project complements efforts by the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare to enhance women's roles in sustainable peacebuilding.

Mustapha Kamara, Project Analyst of the initiative, emphasized the critical role of women in fostering peace. “Women are indispensable in the pursuit of sustainable peace. Through this toolkit, we are ensuring that women-focused CSOs have the resources and strategies to advocate effectively and influence decision-making processes,”.

Developed collaboratively with local CSOs and experts, the toolkit provides practical guidance on advocacy strategies, policy analysis, and community mobilization. Beneficiary organizations have welcomed it as a transformative resource for amplifying their impact. They also anticipate that the advocacy could push for greater budgetary allocations to gender-focused initiatives, including funding for women’s safety, empowerment, and participation in governance.

Aminata Kamara of the Kono Civil Society Advocacy Group highlighted its significance - “For far too long, we’ve faced immense challenges in making our voices heard due to limited resources and tools. This toolkit is a game-changer, providing a comprehensive guide to finding lasting solutions through strategic collaboration with key stakeholders.”

Josephine Kamara from the 50/50 Group, which advocates for gender equality in Sierra Leone’s public life, praised the toolkit for empowering women advocates. “It not only provides essential skills and strategies but also strengthens our collective resolve to achieve sustainable peace,” she noted, emphasizing its alignment with the unique needs of women-led advocacy.

The development of the toolkit aligns with Sierra Leone's national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

UNDP continues to work in close collaboration with partners to create an enabling environment where women focused CSOs can thrive and contribute to building a peaceful, equitable, and prosperous Sierra Leone.

About the Project

The Localization and Working-Together for Peace: Repositioning Women-Focused CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sierra Leone is a PBF funded project implemented by UNDP, UN Women and World Vision in partnership with Civil Society Organizations to complement the efforts of the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare.

The project seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity of Women-Focused CSOs to coordinate their effort in sustaining peace and enhance the safety and security of women and girls before, during and after elections in Sierra Leone. 
The project aims to do this by strengthening the organizational framework of the CSOs, by building their capabilities to coordinate their efforts, mobilizing women’s voices to enhance women’s representation and participation in building peace in Sierra Leone.