PeFOHD Hosts Empowerment Workshop for Over 120 Women in Freetown

The People’s Foundation for Humanity Development (PeFOHD) has successfully concluded its International Women’s Week Empowerment Workshop in Freetown, bringing together over 120 women and girls for capacity building and leadership development as part of global commemorations of International Women’s Week.

The workshop convened a diverse group of 123 participants, predominantly women, including youth, entrepreneurs, community advocates, and grassroots beneficiaries from Freetown and surrounding districts.

Through interactive sessions, training modules, and panel discussions, the event addressed critical issues such as gender equality, economic empowerment, leadership, and social inclusion.

According to a post-event report released by the organization, participants demonstrated improved knowledge in leadership, business development, and advocacy, with many reporting increased confidence to pursue leadership roles and entrepreneurial activities. The workshop also facilitated networking among participants and resulted in the development of personal and group action plans for community impact.

Key sessions focused on leadership and personal development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, gender equality and advocacy, as well as mentorship and networking. Interactive activities included group discussions, role-playing exercises, testimonial sharing, and action planning workshops.

Participant feedback indicated strong satisfaction, with 90 percent rating the workshop as highly impactful, 85 percent stating they would implement learned skills immediately, and 95 percent expressing interest in future programs.

“This workshop has changed my mindset. I now believe I can lead and start my own business,” one participant said.

PeFOHD implemented the workshop within a transparent financial framework, with expenditures covering venue and logistics, training materials, facilitation, and participant support.

Based on the success of the event, the organization has recommended scaling up the workshop to reach more districts across Sierra Leone, introducing follow-up mentorship programs, expanding entrepreneurship support with access to small grants or seed funding, and integrating digital skills training.

PeFOHD also indicated interest in strengthening partnerships for long-term gender empowerment initiatives and developing multi-year programs focused on women’s economic resilience. The organization further proposed the establishment of a Women’s Empowerment Network to ensure continuous engagement and sustainability of the workshop’s outcomes.

POST-EVENT REPORT

International Women’s Week Empowerment Workshop

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Implemented by: People’s Foundation for Humanity Development (PeFOHD)

Reporting Period: March 2026

1. Executive Summary

The International Women’s Week Empowerment Workshop, organized by the People’s Foundation for Humanity Development (PeFOHD), was successfully held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as part of global commemorations of International Women’s Week. The workshop served as a strategic platform to empower women and girls through capacity building, leadership development, and socio-economic engagement.

The event convened a diverse group of participants, including women leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, community advocates, and grassroots beneficiaries. Through interactive sessions, training modules, and panel discussions, the workshop addressed critical issues such as gender equality, economic empowerment, leadership, and social inclusion.

The workshop achieved its core objectives, with measurable improvements in participant knowledge, engagement, and commitment to community transformation initiatives.

2. Objectives and Key Outcomes

Objectives

• To strengthen the leadership capacity of women and girls
• To promote economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development
• To increase awareness of gender equality and women’s rights
• To foster networking and collaboration among women leaders and stakeholders

Key Outcomes

• Enhanced Capacity: Participants demonstrated improved knowledge in leadership, business development, and advocacy
• Increased Confidence: Women reported increased confidence to pursue leadership roles and entrepreneurial activities
• Networking Established: Strong linkages were formed among participants, creating a support ecosystem
• Action-Oriented Commitments: Participants developed personal and group action plans for community impact

3. Participant Demographics and Engagement

Demographics

• Total Participants: 123
• Gender: Predominantly female (95%), with limited male stakeholders (5%)
• Age Range: 18–60 years
• Representation:
  • Youth and young professionals
  • Women entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders
  • Faith-based representatives
  • Civil society actors

Geographic Coverage

Participants were primarily from Freetown and surrounding communities, with representation from other districts.

Engagement Level

• High participation in discussions and breakout sessions
• Active involvement in Q&A, group exercises, and peer learning
• Strong attendance retention throughout the workshop

4. Highlights of Sessions and Activities

The workshop featured a dynamic mix of sessions designed to maximize learning and engagement:

Key Sessions

• Leadership and Personal Development: Building confidence, vision, and influence
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: Practical strategies for starting and sustaining businesses
• Gender Equality and Advocacy: Rights awareness and community mobilization
• Mentorship and Networking: Connecting emerging leaders with experienced professionals

Interactive Activities

• Group discussions and case studies
• Role-playing and leadership simulations
• Testimonial sharing and peer mentoring
• Action planning workshops

Special Features

• Inspirational keynote addresses
• Recognition of women leaders and community champions
• Open forum for sharing lived experiences

5. Impact Assessment and Testimonials

Impact Assessment

The workshop yielded both immediate and anticipated long-term impacts:

Short-Term Impact

• Increased awareness of gender issues and rights
• Improved entrepreneurial and leadership skills
• Strengthened motivation and self-efficacy among participants

Long-Term Impact (Projected)

• Increased participation of women in leadership roles
• Growth in women-led businesses
• Enhanced community advocacy for gender equality

Participant Feedback

• 90% of participants rated the workshop as highly impactful
• 85% indicated they would implement learned skills immediately
• 95% expressed interest in future programs

Testimonials

“This workshop has changed my mindset. I now believe I can lead and start my own business.”

“I feel empowered to go back to my community and make a difference.”

“The knowledge and connections I gained here are invaluable.”

6. Financial Summary and Accountability

Budget Overview

The workshop was implemented within a responsible and transparent financial framework, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

Key Expenditure Areas

• Venue and logistics
• Training materials and facilitation
• Participant support (refreshments, transportation where applicable)
• Administrative and coordination costs

Financial Accountability

• All expenditures were aligned with approved budget lines
• Proper documentation and receipts were maintained
• Financial controls and oversight mechanisms were strictly followed

A detailed financial statement can be provided as an annex upon request.

7. Recommendations for Future Collaboration

Based on the success and lessons learned, the following recommendations are proposed:

Programmatic Recommendations

• Scale up the workshop to reach more districts across Sierra Leone
• Introduce follow-up mentorship and coaching programs
• Expand entrepreneurship support with access to small grants or seed funding
• Integrate digital skills and technology training

Strategic Collaboration

• Strengthen partnership with JICA for long-term gender empowerment initiatives
• Develop multi-year programs focused on women’s economic resilience
• Collaborate on policy advocacy and institutional capacity building

Sustainability Measures

• Establish a Women’s Empowerment Network for continuous engagement
• Track participant progress through monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Encourage community-led replication of workshop learnings

8. Conclusion

The International Women’s Week Empowerment Workshop successfully advanced its mission of empowering women and strengthening community leadership. The positive outcomes and strong participant engagement underscore the importance of continued investment in gender-focused initiatives.

PeFOHD remains committed to building on this momentum and looks forward to deepening collaboration with development partners such as JICA to expand impact and sustainability.