By Jude Kallon
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has strengthened efforts to expand financial inclusion for women in rural Sierra Leone through a renewed partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
During a recent strategic engagement, both institutions reviewed progress and outlined key priorities for the Rural Finance Project – Phase II, an initiative designed to widen access to financial services for women in underserved communities.
Central to the discussions was the expansion of community banks, which provide affordable loans to women for small businesses, education, and housing. The project also aims to enhance financial literacy and promote agricultural mechanization to improve productivity and income generation.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of inclusive capacity building, particularly for women with disabilities, to ensure equitable participation in rural economic development. Gender and youth inclusion were also highlighted as critical components to maximize the project’s impact.
In addition, the meeting underscored the need for increased awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and stronger measures to safeguard women’s rights within rural communities.
Both the Ministry and IFAD reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration, increasing project visibility, and expanding outreach efforts to reach more women across the country.
Through initiatives like the Rural Finance Project, the Ministry continues to drive progress toward improved livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and gender equality in Sierra Leone.
