As part of efforts to enhance gender equality, ABC Development, in partnership with Trocaire and funded by Irish Aid, has continued its engagement with male Masidama allies to support women’s leadership across Kambia District.
The event, which was part of the fifth session of the initiative – “Empowering Women and Older Adolescent Girls for Leadership and Political Participation in Sierra Leone” –, was held on 16 July, 2025, at the Gballan Thallah community, Munu Thallah Chiefdom, Kambia District.
While the engagement was significant on its own, focusing on “Understanding Status and Power,” it was aimed at enlightening participants about the thoughts of status and power and how they could navigate them within community and home settings.
The fifth session is a crucial part of the programme, designed to equip male supporters with the knowledge and tools necessary to support women's leadership and political participation, while leveraging the platform for both parties to not only re-establish mutual relationships but also improve them.
Engaged in various activities to explore the nuances of power dynamics, the participants were involved in exercises that would allow them to analyze different types of power through real-life scenarios, ensuring a deeper understanding of how power can be wielded positively, moving forward.
Another shade of activity included a role-play exercise, where participants experienced both low and high-status situations, prompting reflections on the implications of status in everyday interactions; as well as building a community of compassion among them.
During the engagements, the participants reflected on the insights gained and vowed to challenge traditional barriers that limit gender equality while endearing colleagues to exercise commitment to protecting the lives and livelihood of women and girls.
The initiative highlighted the importance of inclusivity, which places men at the centre to discuss gender issues, promote a collective approach to drive social change, and enhance dialogue and understanding among male allies heads-on.
The programme aims to reshape perceptions of gender roles, ultimately enhancing women's leadership opportunities in Sierra Leone. The ongoing engagement is expected to have a lasting impact on community dynamics, contributing to a more equitable society for all.
