Young Women in Democracy Forum Holds Second Bi-Yearly Reflection and Strategy Meeting
On July 17, 2025, the Young Women in Democracy Forum (YWDF) convened its Second Bi-Yearly Reflection and Strategy Meeting at Family Kingdom, Aberdeen in Freetown. This high-level engagement brought together national and regional executives under the ongoing project “Building Young Feminist Leaders’ Capacity for Democracy Deepening and Accountability in Sierra Leone,” funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The meeting created a space for critical reflection, peer learning, and strategic planning, aimed at strengthening the operational structure of YWDF and deepening its impact across Sierra Leone.
In her keynote statement, the Director of Programmes of Campaign for Good Governance, Madam Bernadette French, reminded participants of the power young people carry to influence global progress through innovation and digital transformation. She urged young women to take initiative, remain self-motivated, and create spaces for others to rise. The National Coordinator, Miss Badriatu Turay, gave updates on key project activities, including the accreditation of member organizations, and the gradual development of a communications strategy. The report also highlighted recent outreach interventions such as the PANTS Education Campaign and GEWE Act awareness across different regions.
Regional reports presented diverse efforts across the country. While the North-West Region recorded limited engagement due to poor coordination, the Northern Region implemented the PANTS Education in four schools and organized engagements around gender-based violence. In the East, districts like Kailahun and Kono made significant progress in mobilizing young women through VSLA initiatives and school-based outreach, while Kenema focused on student engagement. The Southern Region showed strong participation in the PANTS Campaign across all districts. In the Western Area, the Forum implemented over 15 PANTS sessions, popularized the GEWE Act, and successfully intervened to prevent a child marriage. A unique “Cinema for Change” session was also organized to spark conversations about women in leadership and the importance of accountability.
The meeting also served as a platform for strengthening internal processes. Members engaged in practical group exercises to outline the roles and responsibilities of executives and develop a strategic roadmap for YWDF’s future. Communication, reporting, and membership issues were openly discussed, with resolutions to create a unified executive WhatsApp group, simplify reporting templates, and encourage stronger coordination among regions and districts. Participants expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, citing increased self-motivation, renewed collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating more space for young women’s leadership and democratic participation.