For generations, women in Sierra Leone remained on the political sidelines. Traditional roles denied their participation in politics and even in decision-making at the local level.

In Madina Gbonkobon village, for example, the input of women was never called upon when discussing matters of concern to the village. The men sat together in one room, weighed options and reviewed solutions, while the women, excluded from all participation, remained outside, awaiting the outcome of what the men’s discussion.

The young also felt alienated and powerless. In Koinadugu District in Sierra Leone, youth refused to participate in any community projects. Their awareness of governance related issues was low. Apathy had taken hold of the young.

In 2005, USAID stepped into the picture with a program called Strengthening Democratic Governance (SDG). The objective was to raise awareness among women and youths about democratic governance and their role in shaping the future.

Specifically, the program focused on broadening political participation at the local/community level, and enabling citizens to work more closely with local government.

From 2006 to 2007, SDG organized several workshops to train 170 participants (ward committee members) on leadership and management, the decentralization process, payment of taxes, roles of citizens in governance, and the rules and responsibilities of elected local councilors.
The ward committee members are people elected from community members by local citizens. There is also the Councilor as the Chair and the chiefdom representative, usually the Paramount Chief.

Three years later, women and youth in Sierra Leone are beginning to find their voice and take part in local governance. Thanks in part to USAID and SDG, Koinadugu District now has six female councilors. Before, it had none.
The consistent support and training offered by USAID’s Strengthening Democratic Governance program has helped female councilors and others to now play a grater role in the affairs of their community.