ABC-Development with Partners Celebrate International Women’s Day in Thalla Munu

ABC-Development, together with its partners, commemorated International Women’s Day with a community-focused celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the hard-to-reach community of Thalla Munu. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Young Women in Governance, bringing together local leaders, women’s groups, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of empowering women and promoting their participation in governance. This was made possible through Troacare, one of ABC-Development’s partners.
The celebration formed part of ABC-Development’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and strengthening the role of women in community development. By organizing the event in a remote community such as Thalla Munu, the organization sought to ensure that women living in rural and underserved areas are included in national and global conversations about women’s rights and leadership.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually across the world to recognize the achievements of women and advocate for equal rights and opportunities. In Sierra Leone, organizations like ABC-Development continue to play a key role in raising awareness about gender equality, particularly in communities where access to information and development programs may be limited.
Speaking during the event, representatives of ABC-Development emphasized that women are central to the growth and stability of communities. They noted that women contribute significantly to family welfare, agriculture, local trade, and community leadership, yet they are often underrepresented in decision-making structures.
According to the organization, empowering women at the grassroots level is essential for achieving sustainable development. The representative added that initiatives like the International Women’s Day celebration help create awareness, build confidence among women, and encourage communities to support gender-inclusive leadership.

Officials from the Ministry of Gender also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and supporting policies that enhance women’s participation in leadership and governance.

They noted that partnerships between government institutions and civil society organizations such as ABC-Development are vital in promoting gender equality and ensuring that awareness initiatives reach communities across the country.

The event attracted several local authorities, including the Paramount Chief and other traditional leaders, who delivered statements on the importance of including women in local administration and decision-making processes.

In his remarks, the Paramount Chief highlighted the critical role women play in strengthening families and communities. He stressed that when women are empowered and included in leadership structures, communities benefit from diverse perspectives and more balanced decision-making.
He also commended ABC-Development and its partners for bringing the International Women’s Day celebration to Thalla Munu, noting that such initiatives help raise awareness and encourage greater collaboration between men and women in addressing community challenges.
Women’s groups within the community actively participated in the celebration and expressed appreciation for ABC-Development’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment. Several women shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of education, economic opportunities, and leadership training for women and girls.
Participants also discussed the need to encourage girls to remain in school and pursue leadership opportunities in the future. Many noted that empowering young women today is essential for building stronger and more inclusive communities tomorrow.
Representatives from Young Women in Governance used the opportunity to encourage young women in the community to take active roles in decision-making processes and community development activities.
They emphasized that leadership opportunities should not be limited by gender and that young women should be supported to develop the confidence and skills needed to participate in governance.
Throughout the event, ABC-Development facilitated dialogue sessions that allowed community members to discuss the challenges facing women and identify ways to promote gender equality within their communities.
The celebration also featured community interactions and cultural expressions that recognized the resilience, strength, and contributions of women in the development of their families and communities.
Community stakeholders who attended the event expressed gratitude to ABC-Development and its partners for organizing the program in their locality. Many participants noted that hosting such a significant celebration in a rural community helped ensure that women in hard-to-reach areas feel recognized and included in national development efforts.
Several attendees described the event as both inspiring and educational, stating that it encouraged meaningful conversations about the role women can play in shaping the future of their communities.
At the end of the program, ABC-Development reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities to continue promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across Sierra Leone.
Through initiatives like the International Women’s Day celebration in Thalla Munu, ABC-Development and its partners aim to strengthen community awareness, support women’s leadership, and contribute to building a more inclusive society where women are empowered to participate fully in development and governance.