CGG, with Support from AWDF, Concludes 2-Day Leadership Training for Young Women
Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), with support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), concluded a transformative two-day leadership training aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of young women under the project, “Building Young Feminist Leaders Capacity for Democracy Deepening and Accountability in Sierra Leone.”
Held from May 16–17, 2025, at Family Kingdom in Freetown, the training brought together over 35 participants, including members and executives of Young Women in Democracy Forum, for an intensive engagement on feminist leadership, governance, and strategic advocacy.
The training covered key thematic areas including understanding gender and feminism, how parliament operates, outcome mapping for advocacy, leveraging digital tools for campaigning, and leadership, networking, and alliance building. The sessions were designed to equip young women with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take up leadership roles, influence decision-making spaces, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Facilitators for the two-day training included Madam Valnora Edwin, a renowned governance and feminist leadership trainer; Hon. Mariama Zombo, a sitting Member of Parliament; Rev. Alusine Diamond Suma, a leadership coach and civic educator; and Mrs. Marcella Samba-Sesay, Executive Director of CGG. The team of facilitators delivered engaging and thought-provoking sessions that encouraged critical reflection, peer learning, and strategic thinking.
Participants engaged in breakout sessions where they shared personal experiences of discrimination and exclusion, and collectively explored how to transform those experiences into advocacy tools. A hands-on mapping exercise enabled them to link feminist leadership strategies with real-world advocacy planning, while discussions on digital campaigning highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to amplify their voices and mobilize for change.
In her closing remarks, CGG Executive Director Mrs. Marcella Samba-Sesay reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the next generation of feminist leaders. She emphasized the importance of creating sustained platforms for young women to lead, speak up, and demand accountability across Sierra Leone’s governance landscape.
The training forms part of CGG’s broader effort to close the gender gap in political participation and deepen democratic governance through inclusive, youth-led, and gender-responsive approaches.