Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Accountable Local Governance in Kambia District

Supporting Gender Equality and Social Accountability through a Strengthened Civil Society

Building the Capacity of Councillors and Local Governance Stakeholders

ABC-Development, through the Supporting Gender Equality and Social Accountability through a Strengthened Civil Society project, supported by the European Union through Trocaire, conducted a two-day training for councillors, appointed officials, aspiring female leaders, and other key stakeholders in Kambia District.

The training brought together 60 participants, including women, men, persons with disabilities, newly elected councillors, representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), representatives from the District Council, members of the Community of Practice (COP), and representatives from Young Women in Governance Network groups across the four operational wards.

The activity was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the Local Government Act and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and improve their knowledge of the mandates, roles, responsibilities, and processes associated with local governance.

The training covered a range of topics relevant to effective local governance and service delivery.

Key areas included:

• The Local Government Act

• Transparency and accountability

• Functions and responsibilities of local councils and councillors

• Community needs assessment

• Coordination in the implementation of local council development plans

• Coordination between wards and local authorities

• Project site handover procedures

• Standing orders and minutes

• Local government structures and legal frameworks

• Effective communication and use of language

The sessions provided participants with practical knowledge that can support them in carrying out their responsibilities more effectively and in accordance with established procedures.

Participants also had the opportunity to share experiences and discuss governance challenges affecting their communities.

Gender equality and women's meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making are central to the project.

ABC-Development continues to work with women, persons with disabilities, youth, civil society organizations, community stakeholders, and duty bearers to promote inclusive governance and strengthen women's participation in decision-making structures.

The initiative seeks to contribute to increased representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions while promoting gender-responsive approaches to employment, training, budgeting, planning, and public service delivery.

The training therefore served not only as a capacity-building opportunity but also as a platform for dialogue on the importance of women's participation in local governance and community development.

The training was highly participatory and interactive. Councillors and other participants contributed actively to discussions, shared their experiences, and engaged with the facilitators throughout the sessions.

Participants gained improved knowledge of the Local Government Act and SOPs and developed a clearer understanding of their mandates, roles, and responsibilities.

Elected councillors also expressed their commitment to following established procedures when carrying out their functions.

The facilitators used practical explanations and interactive approaches to ensure that the subject matter was accessible and relevant to participants.

Strong time management and a high level of participation also contributed to the successful implementation of the training.

One of the main challenges encountered was the farming season, which made it difficult to mobilize some participants due to competing agricultural responsibilities.

However, the active involvement of project staff and ABC-Development's strong working relationship with district stakeholders helped overcome these challenges and ensured that the targeted participants were reached.

The experience reinforced the importance of working closely with local stakeholders and considering community calendars when planning future engagements.

The activity contributes to broader efforts to strengthen dialogue between communities and duty bearers.

Quarterly dialogue engagements at district level provide opportunities to identify key issues affecting women and communities, discuss service delivery challenges emerging from town hall meetings, and work collectively toward practical solutions.

These engagements can also strengthen accountability by creating opportunities for duty bearers and community representatives to discuss priorities, track commitments, and improve services.

ABC-Development will continue building on the training through a number of follow-up activities, including:

• Training district councils and councillors on gender-sensitive budgeting and inclusive development planning

• Developing social media content on gender equality and women's rights

• Raising awareness on women's participation in electoral and decision-making processes

• Supporting CSOs and women's networks to conduct data collection and community awareness activities

• Strengthening the use of community scorecards and other social accountability tools

• Hosting radio panel discussions on gender equality, women's rights, and women's participation

• Conducting regular monitoring and follow-up of project activities

Through these interventions, ABC-Development aims to strengthen the capacity of local governance actors and civil society while creating greater opportunities for women and marginalized groups to participate in decision-making.

Effective local governance depends on informed leaders, active citizens, meaningful participation, and accountability.

By strengthening the knowledge and capacity of councillors while creating space for women, persons with disabilities, youth, civil society, and community stakeholders to participate, ABC-Development is contributing to a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable local governance system in Kambia District.

Empowering women to lead and participate in decision-making is not only a matter of representation—it is essential to building responsive and inclusive communities.