The government of Sierra Leone has intensified its commitment to promoting women’s rights across all sectors. 8th November, 2023 marked a pivotal moment as the National Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of The Youth Advisory Group within the Ministry of Education Sierra Leone engaged in a comprehensive training session on Gender Budgeting at Plan International Sierra Leone.

The training session was meticulously crafted to enlighten Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the significance and methodology of Gender Budgeting systems. The primary focus was to equip these entities with the tools and knowledge to develop annual and activity-based budgets that align with gender responsiveness. The objective is to promote holistic gender inclusivity in all their endeavors.

This crucial training initiative underscores the government’s proactive approach to integrating gender perspectives into the budgeting and planning processes. By empowering key stakeholders with the skills and understanding of gender-responsive budgeting, Sierra Leone aims to transform its governance structure, ensuring that women’s rights and gender equality are at the forefront of policy implementation and resource allocation.

The involvement of The Youth Advisory Group emphasizes the government’s recognition of the pivotal role that youth play in shaping a more equitable society. By nurturing the understanding and application of gender-responsive budgeting principles among the youth leadership, Sierra Leone aspires to cultivate a future generation well-versed in promoting gender equality and championing women’s rights across various spheres.

This progressive step signals a promising direction in Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, solidifying its position as a regional leader in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.