ABC-Development, through the Ireland Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) project and with support from Irish Aid and Trócaire, has taken a significant step toward empowering women and adolescent girls for leadership and political participation in Sierra Leone. In Kambia District, the organisation convened 75 aspiring women leaders—including councillors, community mobilizers, and first-time political aspirants—for the first in a series of accompaniment trainings designed to strengthen their confidence, leadership skills, and readiness to participate actively in governance ahead of the 2028 elections.
The training opened with deep reflections on the true meaning of leadership. Guided by Project Officer Beatrice Bangura, participants described leadership as a responsibility that involves guiding others, inspiring trust, and overcoming challenges. Beatrice emphasized that leadership is not defined by authority but by vision, influence, and the ability to uplift others. Her message resonated with women who are determined to break long-standing barriers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Facilitator Foday Mansaray further expanded the discussion by introducing various leadership styles, including autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, servant, transformational, and situational leadership. Through active group exchanges, participants analyzed how each style affects community engagement and political participation. They unanimously agreed that democratic leadership aligns best with their environments, as it encourages inclusivity, supports collective decision-making, and strengthens community relationships.
A major portion of the training focused on effective communication—an essential skill for any aspiring leader. Through role plays, participants observed real-life examples of poor communication, including individuals dominating conversations or speaking over one another, and contrasted them with productive dialogue built on listening and mutual respect. Many participants admitted the exercise felt personal, reminding them that strong leadership is grounded not only in speaking confidently but also in listening attentively.
The women also explored the stages of team development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—and related these stages to their own experiences building women’s groups and community networks. These discussions helped them recognise the importance of teamwork, patience, and unity when navigating challenges and sustaining collective action.
Throughout the session, the atmosphere was filled with renewed determination and solidarity. The Director of ABC-Development motivated the participants to boldly assert their rights and embrace their leadership roles without hesitation. Her statement—“You are not just future leaders; you are leaders today”—sparked confidence and strengthened the resolve of women who are ready to claim their space in decision-making.
By the end of the training, participants left more empowered, more informed, and more prepared to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond. This session marks only the beginning. Over the coming months, ABC-Development will continue providing structured accompaniment trainings that build on these foundations, supporting the women step by step as they grow their political knowledge, strengthen their advocacy skills, and prepare to compete in elections.
As Sierra Leone moves toward the 2028 electoral cycle, the work of ABC-Development is helping to cultivate a generation of women leaders who are ready to reshape the country’s governance landscape. Their voices are getting stronger, their confidence is rising, and their leadership is becoming more visible. With continued support and commitment, these women are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future for their communities and the nation.
