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In a major boost for grassroots peacebuilding efforts, UN Women Sierra Leone has donated nine new motorbikes to the Women-Focused Civil Society Organization (CSO) Coalition in Peacebuilding.
The handover, held at the UN Women office in Freetown, marks a significant step toward strengthening community engagement and enhancing mobility for women-led groups working at the local level.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs; Ms. Irene Limo, Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Secretariat Coordinator at the Resident Coordinator’s Office; and UN Women Sierra Leone Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo.
Together, they symbolically presented the bikes, emphasizing their role as tools for empowerment, access, and mobility that will enable women-led organizations to reach remote communities, facilitate dialogue, and promote inclusive peace efforts across six districts: Western Area Urban, Western Area Rural, Bombali, Karene, Kailahun, and Pujehun.
UN Women’s initiative underscores its commitment to amplifying women’s voices in peace and security, ensuring grassroots actors are equipped to lead transformative change from the ground up. Ms. Mongbo praised the progress made under Sierra Leone’s Second-Generation National Action Plan (SiLNAP), which advances UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
She highlighted the transparent documentation of SiLNAP II achievements, which significantly contributed to shaping SiLNAP III, serving as a model for strategic learning and accountability.
“Empowering local women as key peacebuilders is essential,” Ms. Mongbo stated. “Sustainable peace must be rooted in community leadership and inclusive participation.”
Minister Mahoi expressed her gratitude for the support, emphasizing the positive impact the motorbikes will have: “These bikes will help address many challenges in our communities, protect women’s lives, and improve access to vital information and services.”
This initiative is part of UN Women’s ongoing efforts to bolster women’s participation in peace processes and ensure civil society organizations can operate effectively at the grassroots level. With improved transportation, coalition members will be better positioned to conduct field monitoring, deliver supplies, and connect with beneficiaries in hard-to-reach areas.
Florence Nana Taylor-Younge, Chairperson of the Women-Focused CSOs in Peacebuilding, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the coalition: “We are truly grateful. These motorbikes will enhance our outreach, empower us to serve our communities better, and strengthen our efforts to promote peace, security, and gender equality.”
This support aligns with the broader UN agenda to localize the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework in Sierra Leone, especially lessons learned from past emergencies where mobility constraints hampered timely interventions.
As the motorbikes hit the roads, they carry more than fuel — they bring hope, access, and new opportunities for women-led peacebuilding across Sierra Leone.
