02/25/2025
"Women have played a critical role... in promoting peace and reconciliation." This statement, made by President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah during his address in Amman, Jordan, on November 28, 1999, underscores the vital contributions of women in Sierra Leone's peace process.
Women's groups, such as the Women's Forum and the Women's Movement for Peace, played a pivotal role in promoting peace and reconciliation. These organizations brought together women from diverse backgrounds to advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights. They organized marches, rallies, and conferences, providing a platform for women's voices to be heard.
The Women's Forum, established in 1994, was a key player in the peace process. This umbrella organization comprised various women's groups, including the Sierra Leone Association of University Women, the Young Women's Christian Association, and the Women's Association for National Development. The Forum worked tirelessly to promote peace, democracy, and gender equality, and its efforts contributed significantly to the country's transition to democracy.
Women's contributions to peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone were not limited to these organizations. Individual women, such as Fatmatta Boie-Kamara, a pediatrician who led a peace march in 1995, also played important roles. Women's participation in the peace process helped to shift the focus from a purely military solution to a more inclusive, people-centered approach.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including patriarchal attitudes, exclusion from decision-making processes, and high levels of violence, women in Sierra Leone persevered in their pursuit of peace and reconciliation. Their efforts have had a lasting impact on the country, contributing to the establishment of a more inclusive and democratic society.
In recognition of the critical role women played in promoting peace and reconciliation, the Sierra Leonean government has developed policies and programs aimed at supporting women's empowerment and gender equality. The country's National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, launched in 2010, is a key example of these efforts.
In conclusion, women's contributions to peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone have been instrumental in shaping the country's transition to democracy. Their tireless efforts, despite numerous challenges, have helped to promote a more inclusive and people-centered approach to peacebuilding.