Outcome SLE_D_1.5

Women and girls in conflict and humanitarian situation as well as those excluded from governance are protected and provided with tools, access to services, goods and resources to build resilience and to lead.

In 2023, UN Women Sierra Leone made significant progress in promoting Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Sierra Leone. The government of Sierra Leone through UN Women is the 4th country in West Africa to develop a comprehensive National Action Plan (SLiNAP) for the full implementation of UNSCR 1325, 7th in Africa, and 17th globally which was published and used as a reference point for government parastatals in promoting peace and national cohesion in sierra leone. The Sierra Leone National Action plan (SLiNAP II Second Generation) was successfully implemented, monitored and reviewed in 2023 nation-wide. And later 2023, UN Women through MOGCA held regional consultations on the development of the NEW Sierra Leone National Plan (SLiNAP III third generation 2024 - 2028) which will be finalized and launched in March 2024. For continuation of the implementation of WPS agenda, the UN Women SL CO in partnership with UNDP and World Vision established and strengthened a 120 CSO Coalition (with national and district structures) working on conflict prevention / mitigation and meaningful participation of women to serve as a vehicle for joint planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting the National Action Plan in-line with the Security Council Resolution 1325 and 1820. Additionally, the Sierra Leone security sector procurement and administration system was reviewed and strengthened by incorporating gender sensitive issues, informed by UNW research on barrier assessment for the Sierra Leone Police and the Military which measured opportunities for women in peace operation, examined the challenges women faced in being deployed as United Nations Peacekeepers and proffered recommendations for the national strategy in improving the gender mainstreaming of both institutions which includes recruitment, retention, deployment, and promotion of women. The reports have been used as a reference for good practices for other COs. Following the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 and the Public Elections Act 2022 (District Block Proportional representation) provided an opportunity to amplify the number of women in the legislature and the executive arm of Government. The participation of women in leadership positions and their engagement in political, economic, and public life have significantly improved, The proportion of women's representation in the National Parliament and Local Councils increased to 30.4 percent and 34 percent respectively in the 2023 general elections and more women appointed to cabinet positions (31.25 per cent) which is above the government of sierra leone regulatory threshold set in the GEWEAct. These achievements were significantly contributed by UN Women through its coordination leadership and interventions in strengthening women’s political leadership in Sierra Leone. In 2023, UN Women engaged stakeholders in raising awareness on women's leadership and political participation nationwide, enhanced the capacity of 350 women candidates in campaign strategy, communication & coaching and provided them with adequate tools which enabled them to deliver effective campaigns in the 2023 general elections. In addition, UN Women helped develop a corps of transformative female and male leaders and strengthened national institutional capacities to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s leadership. Lesson learned sessions were held in 5 Regions where the female aspirants and candidates shared what worked well, areas they could improve on and how UN Women’s interventions helped build their confidence and self-esteem. UN Women also trained 35 women political leaders from the All-Political Parties’ Association (APPWA) in transformative leadership. This equipped women for leadership positions within the parties and provided an opportunity for women to amplify their voices This engagement also strengthened the members of APPWA build bridges across party and as well as fostered peace and national cohesion. UN Women equipped APPWA leaders with knowledge of the GEWE and PEA laws to effectively engage election management bodies, political parties, traditional leaders, and the media to ensure the laws are implemented during the 2023 general elections. Following the training, the women leaders stepped down the capacity, raised awareness about the content of the Acts and encouraged women to demand the implementation of the laws within their political parties. UN Women strengthened the capacities of Government officials (namely Election Commission in Sierra Leone and the Political Parties Regulation Commission), civil society organizations and women’s networks to promote women and girls’ leadership and political participation. This included 100 men trained to serve as male champions in the four districts, including Port Loko, Falaba, Pujehun Districts as well as the Western Area of Sierra Leone. Similar engagements were held in the North, South and Eastern region where the project reached 80 Paramount Chiefs. The target men (community, political, traditional and religious leaders - men) understood the importance of supporting women in realizing their aspirations and signed up to be agents of change within and outside of their communities and to advocate for women's rights and address issues such as violence, intimidation, discrimination and harmful cultural practices faced by women. This engagement also strengthened partnership and built trust between the EMBs and UN Women. In an effort to recognize the impact of gendered disinformation and online violence against women and the influence of social media platforms among young people, 12 social media influencers with significant followings on the platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Twitter were reached. The two-day capacity support program focused on gender, peaceful and credible elections content. The influencers provided technical support to women candidates in promotion of women political participation, denouncing violence against women in elections. The knowledge they gained from this intervention further enhanced support to women political participation in the elections.

Women and girls in conflict and humanitarian situation as well as those excluded from governance are protected and provided with tools, access to services, goods and resources to build resilience and to lead.

The Localization and working together for peace programme is ensuring women and girls are protected, access to services and goods. In 2024, The programme contributed to peacebuilding results under the framework of the sustainable development goals. The project contributed to the peaceful and inclusive general elections in 2023. This was achieved through mitigating conflict by reaching 211,064 people through Facebook, twitter YouTube, community markets, and public places with peace messages. This was done by developing and sharing videos, jingles, and radio discussion programs in Bombali, Karene, Pujehun Western Area Urban and rural. 800 individuals including students, stakeholders, and CSOs, were reached in Pujehun districts while 1000 community leaders were engaged in peace march advocating against the use drugs and other harmful substance especially on youth and women in Bombali. Additionally, the Women Focused CSO coalition has conducted joint advocacy and campaign in addressing issues that could spark violence in their various districts. The district level interventions influenced non-violent conflict resolution promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. Coalition members have also been raising awareness about the National Unity agreement thus contributing to demystifying false information and growing tensions in communities. The women focused CSOs are playing significant role in providing recommendations and advocating for cyber bulling hate speech and misinformation in their communities for inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance processes at all levels. Further contributions have been archived through the inclusive and participatory process in the consultation and finalization of the National Action Plan (NAP III) for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The project has contributed significantly to the increased female representation in parliament from 14.5% to 30.4% and in local council from 19% to 34% during the 2023 general elections which has amplified the voices of women. This has led to increased urgency, confidence, and assertiveness among women in governance processes as more women enhance their willingness to take up decision making positions. In addition, further support has been provided to the female parliamentary caucus to foster inter and intra party cooperation and dialogue in promoting gender equility and women’s empowerment at the ligislative level. There has been an increase in positive attitudes and perceptions towards women’s leadership thus promoting women’s participation in governance processes. Successful candidates are serving as role models, inspiring other women in the various districts to aspire for political positions. The district CSO coalition jointly organised high level stakeholder engagements with peace institutions, community peace promoters and government stakeholders in promoting peace and cohesion at district level in commemoration of the International Peace Day. Coalition members are now collaborating and being part of the CSO peace group in coordination with the Peace Commision at local level, same have been apply at national and regional by contributing to a regional working group session on the women youth peace security agenda in the region of which local CSO groups have been incorporated as members