As young women committed to democratic transformation in Sierra Leone, we — the Young Women in Democracy Forum (YWDF) — are proud to be part of an ongoing Leadership and Policy Influencing Training that is sharpening our ability to shape the future of our nation.
Supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and facilitated by the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), this training is more than a classroom experience — it is a movement-building space where knowledge meets action, and ambition meets strategy.
“We believe that our voices matter. We believe that democracy is incomplete without the full participation of young women. And we believe that this is our time to rise, lead, and influence.” — YWDF Members, Leadership & Policy Training 2025.
Day Two: Building Power Through Policy and Solidarity
On Day Two of the training, participants dove deep into two transformative themes:
Evidence-Based and Result-Oriented Policy Influencing
We learned how to design advocacy campaigns grounded in data, human rights principles, and community needs. From drafting policy briefs to engaging lawmakers, we’re being equipped to champion gender-responsive reforms — especially in areas like education, political participation, and economic justice.
Network and Solidarity Building
We explored the power of collective action. By strengthening our internal network and building alliances across civil society, we are amplifying our voice and increasing our impact. As one participant shared:
“Alone, we are strong. Together, we are unstoppable.”
These sessions are not just informative — they are transformational, helping us shift from being participants to becoming architects of change.
Drafting Our Future: A Strategic Plan for YWDF
As part of the training, YWDF’s national executive is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the network’s growth, sustainability, and impact from 2025 to 2027.
Key focus areas include:
Expanding district-level leadership across all 16 districts
Institutionalizing leadership training programs
Strengthening partnerships with national and international allies
Increasing youth participation in policy spaces and electoral processes
This plan will ensure that YWDF remains a vibrant, youth-led, feminist force in Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Why This Matters
Democracy is not just about elections — it’s about inclusion, accountability, and justice. And development cannot be sustainable without democratic governance.
By investing in young women’s leadership, CGG and OSIWA are helping to build a Sierra Leone where:
Young women are at the decision-making table
Policies are gender-responsive and evidence-based
Grassroots voices shape national agendas
As Badriatu Turay, National Coordinator of YWDF and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, reminds us:
“Let’s debunk societal norms. We can be great leaders if we are ready.”
