British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Engages Women-Focused Organizations in Pujehun

On May 14, 2024, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Lisa Chesney visited Pujehun District to meet with local women’s rights organizations, including the Pujehun District Women’s Development and Advocacy Forum (PuDWAF) and Action for Community Task (ACT) Sierra Leone. The visit aimed to understand the challenges faced by these groups and discuss the benefits of the UK-funded MOVE grant, which is administered by Purposeful Sierra Leone.

During her visit, High Commissioner Chesney was welcomed by PuDWAF’s CEO and Program Lead, Mary Rogers.

Founded in 2018, PuDWAF focuses on advocating for women, children, men, youths, the elderly, and people with diseases and disabilities in the Pujehun District. The organization works to promote gender equality, reduce gender-based violence, and enhance community participation.

CEO Rogers highlighted the organization’s commitment to radical inclusion and detailed their initiatives, which include skills training, self-help agricultural projects, and SGBV mentoring.

PuDWAF’s efforts are particularly focused on addressing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV), a significant issue in the district.

According to the manager of the One Stop Center in Pujehun District, Florence Sandy, from January to May 2024, over 400 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) were recorded.

PuDWAF’s Deputy CEO, Letitia Kaiwoh Jah Mensurah, emphasized the need for additional funding to sustain their initiatives, while Kaata Minah from Purposeful Sierra Leone underscored the importance of the MOVE grant in enhancing PuDWAF’s capacity to combat SGBV and support women’s development.

High Commissioner Chesney also visited the ACT Sierra Leone office, where she was welcomed by Executive Director Sadiatu Kemokai Leigh.

ACT Sierra Leone focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and SGBV through advocacy, community campaigns, and the establishment of support networks.

Mrs Leigh emphasized the importance of these efforts in changing community attitudes and behaviors towards FGM and SGBV.

Pupils participating in ACT Sierra Leone’s school clubs expressed their gratitude for the organization’s efforts, sharing how the knowledge gained has empowered them to contribute to eradicating FGM and SGBV in their communities.

High Commissioner Chesney commended organizations for their dedication and assured continued support from the UK government to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion where PuDWAF staff, ACT Sierra Leone members, beneficiaries, and the delegation shared insights and future aspirations.

High Commissioner Chesney highlighted the importance of partnerships between local organizations, international donors, and the government in addressing systemic issues like gender-based violence and socio-economic disparities. She affirmed the UK’s dedication to fostering these collaborations to create lasting, positive changes in communities like Pujehun.

Both PuDWAF and ACT Sierra Leone expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner’s visit and the continued support from the UK government.

This engagement reinforced the resilience of the organizations and their determination to fight SGBV and FGM and promote sustainable development.