Young Women Trained on Feminist Leadership for Democracy and Accountability in Sierra Leone
Young Women Trained on Feminist Leadership for Democracy and Accountability in Sierra Leone
From May 16–17, 2025, the Young Women in Democracy Forum, with support from the African Women’s Development Fund, held a transformative two-day leadership training at Family Kingdom in Freetown. The training was designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of young women leaders and activists under the theme “Building Feminist Leaders for Democracy Deepening and Accountability in Sierra Leone.”
The opening day set the tone with powerful messages of unity, courage, and reflection. Participants were welcomed with an energizing session that highlighted the importance of building collective strength and supporting one another in leadership spaces. Throughout the day, a series of thought-provoking sessions were delivered by women leaders and governance experts who guided participants through discussions on systemic exclusion, gender bias, and how to take up space confidently and authentically.
Facilitators explored themes such as navigating political spaces, overcoming leadership stereotypes, and the power of personal storytelling as a tool for advocacy. Participants had the opportunity to share their lived experiences, stories of rejection, perseverance, and resilience, that served as powerful reminders of the barriers many young women face, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all.
On the second day, the focus shifted to building practical skills in digital advocacy, strategic communication, and mental wellness. Participants learned how to use social media purposefully, rebrand their online presence, and develop advocacy messages that resonate. A session on mental health and well-being underscored the need for emotional resilience as a core element of sustainable leadership.
The training also featured hands-on group work that challenged participants to think critically about the advocacy process, from identifying stakeholders and crafting messages to mobilizing communities and influencing policy. The energy and creativity displayed affirmed the strength of young feminist leaders ready to make impact.
Key takeaways from the training included the importance of authenticity in leadership, the power of digital tools in shaping narratives, and the urgent need for peer support and collaboration among women. Participants left the space feeling empowered, connected, and prepared to lead change within their communities.
This training marks another important step in YWDF’s journey to nurture a generation of bold, informed, and accountable feminist leaders committed to advancing democracy and inclusion in Sierra Leone.