Kadie Black Kamara Makes History as First Woman in Over 100 Years to Contest Gballan Thallah Chieftaincy

A significant milestone has been reached in the history of Gballan Thallah Community as Kadie Black Kamara becomes the first woman in more than 100 years to contest the community's chieftaincy election, breaking a century-old tradition of male-only leadership.

Her candidacy marks a new chapter for traditional governance in Munu Thala Chiefdom and is being celebrated as a major step toward greater inclusion of women in community leadership.

Kamara's historic decision has been made possible through ABC Development's MASIDAMA Project, an initiative that empowers women and adolescent girls through leadership training, mentorship, civic education, and advocacy. The project aims to strengthen women's participation in decision-making and encourage them to take up leadership positions within their communities.

Over the years, the MASIDAMA Project has worked closely with women across Kambia and Port Loko Districts, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to participate meaningfully in governance and community development.

Speaking to this medium recently, Kamara credited the leadership training she received through the project with giving her the confidence to pursue the position. "The leadership training changed my mind set and gave me the courage to believe that women can also lead their communities. I want to serve my people with honesty, unity, and commitment," she said.

She explained that, for generations, the chieftaincy of Gballan Thallah has been occupied exclusively by men, making her candidacy a historic first in the community's modern history. According to her, her decision has generated widespread discussion among residents, with many viewing it as a sign of changing attitudes toward women's leadership. "It was more than an election. It shows that women are capable of leading when they are given the opportunity and the right support. Even though I did win the election, but I have cleared a path that was seem far beyond reach. I am confident that I will win the next election," she said.

According to Foday Mansaray, one of the MASIDAMA Project Officers, the achievement reflects the long-term impact of investing in women's leadership. “Through the MASIDAMA Project, women have received training in leadership, governance, public speaking, advocacy, conflict resolution, and community mobilization, enabling them to participate more actively in local decision-making. The project also engages traditional leaders, local authorities, and community stakeholders to foster an enabling environment where women can contribute to governance and development. This project has made significant progress across these districts,” said Mansaray.

According to Umaru Kunateh Bah, Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs District Supervisor for Kambia District, Kamara's candidacy represents an important breakthrough in challenging long-standing barriers that have limited women's participation in traditional leadership. He said that her decision could encourage more women to seek leadership roles in communities across Sierra Leone.

The District Supervisor for the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Kambia District, Umaru Kunateh Bah, described ABC Development as a valuable partner supporting government efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

He explained that the organisation has contributed significantly to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance. “ABC Development has helped women gain confidence and capacity to take leadership roles within their communities,” he stated.

According to Bah, the organisation’s interventions have contributed to increased representation of women in leadership positions, including local council representation.

He further praised ABC Development’s approach of working closely with government institutions to ensure alignment with national policies and development priorities. “ABC Development stands out because of its professionalism, coordination, and commitment to sustainable community development,” he added.

Regardless of the election's outcome as she didn’t win, Kadie Black Kamara has already secured her place in the community's history by becoming the first woman in more than a century to contest the chieftaincy.

Her candidacy stands as evidence to the transformative power of leadership training and community empowerment, illustrating how initiatives such as the MASIDAMA Project are helping to reshape traditional leadership by creating opportunities for women to lead and serve their communities.