On October 31, 2024, history was made at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown as Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) officially launched the Network of Female Councilors (NFC). This groundbreaking initiative brings together women in local governance, providing them with a strong platform to collaborate, share experiences, and drive sustainable development in their communities. The NFC is designed to empower female councilors through capacity-building initiatives, fostering effective engagement with constituents, Government, NGOs, and development partners. By strengthening their leadership skills and enhancing their influence in governance, the network aims to amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes at the local level.

The event brought together key government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners, all of whom emphasized the significance of the NFC. Speaker after speaker highlighted how this network will serve as a platform for advancing women’s leadership and addressing gender-specific challenges in governance. The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Honorable Tamba Lamina, officially launched the NFC. In his keynote address, he encouraged female councilors to be bold, strategic, and unwavering in their commitment to advocating for women’s issues. He further urged them to collaborate with their male allies to ensure a more inclusive and effective governance system.

The launch also served as a medium to outline the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in supporting the NFC’s mission. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs will provide overall leadership and coordination for the NFC initiative, ensuring that policies and programs align with national gender priorities. Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), with support from Trocaire, will deliver training, mentoring, and capacity-building programs to strengthen the leadership skills of female councilors. Female Councilors themselves are expected to actively engage in these training programs and leverage their positions to champion gender-sensitive policies and community development initiatives.

The NFC is being implemented under the National Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment (NAWE) Project, funded by Irish Aid through Trocaire Sierra Leone. This support reflects a strong commitment to gender equity, inclusive governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone. As the network embarks on this journey, it is clear that women in leadership are no longer waiting for change, they are driving it. The NFC is not just a network, it is a movement that will shape the future of local governance and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone. With unity, resilience, and strategic action, female councilors will transform their communities, amplify women’s voices, and redefine leadership in Sierra Leone