ABC Development Empowers 538 People Through Women's Leadership Project in Kambia

ABC Development, a non-governmental organisation in Kambia District, has empowered 538 people across Munu Thala and Magbema chiefdoms to promote women's participation in leadership.

The initiative, the Empowering Women's Leadership and Political Participation Project, also aims to raise awareness among residents about community decision-making and economic development.

According to Foday Mansaray, a member of the organisation, the project has so far reached 338 women, 200 men and 50 adolescent girls in 10 communities through leadership training, community dialogue, mentoring, coaching and livelihood support. "Implemented with support from partners, including the Irish Civil Society Partnership (ICSP), among others, the programme seeks to address the social and cultural barriers that have historically limited women's participation in leadership and governance while promoting gender equality and inclusive community development," Mansaray said.

He explained that ABC Development has organized leadership training sessions, community dialogues, mentoring and coaching programmes, community meetings and monitoring visits to strengthen local participation and improve women's leadership skills.

According to him, the organisation has also supported 15 women's groups and 15 men's groups to promote leadership, savings, gender equality and active participation in community development. In addition, eight community grants worth NLe50,000 have been awarded to support locally identified development initiatives.

One of the project's major achievements has been the growing confidence of women to seek leadership positions. In Gballan Thalla Community, Munu Thala Chiefdom, Kadie Black Kamara became the first woman in more than 100 years to contest a chieftaincy election, breaking a long-standing tradition of male-only participation.

Kamara said the project's leadership and awareness training gave her the confidence to contest. "Women now understand that they have the right to participate in decision-making and contribute to the development of their communities," she said, adding that the project has also strengthened women's economic independence through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), enabling members to access loans for farming, education and small businesses. She noted that support for cassava cultivation on about 2.5 hectares of land has also improved food security and household incomes.

Chairlady of a women's group in Masidama, Katik Community, Adamsay Kamara, said the initiative had transformed attitudes towards women's rights and participation. "Before ABC Development came, many women knew very little about their rights. Through the training and awareness programmes, women have become more confident, men are more supportive, and many families have improved their livelihoods through farming and savings initiatives," she said.

Officials from the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs also commended the organisation's contribution to women's empowerment.

District Supervisor Umaru Kunateh Bah described the partnership between the Ministry and ABC Development as productive, saying the project has strengthened women's leadership and increased their participation in decision-making. "ABC Development is one of our key development partners, complementing the Government's efforts to promote gender equality, women's empowerment and child protection across Kambia District," Bah said. He noted that more women are now contesting leadership positions, including seats on the Kambia District Council, while women at the chiefdom and community levels are playing more active roles in governance and development.

He added that the Ministry provides technical guidance to ensure the project's activities align with national gender and child protection policies, while collaborating with the organisation to raise public awareness of gender laws through community engagement.

Councillor N'balia Bongay of Constituency 060 said the organization has strengthened women's confidence and improved financial management through community savings initiatives, enabling more women to engage actively in leadership and local development.