On August 28, 2024, the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), concluded a three-day mentorship training session at West End Palace, Aberdeen Beach, Freetown. The training aimed to equip female parliamentarians with the skills necessary for effective mentoring, focusing on leadership development and ethical considerations.

The initiative, a part of a broader effort to establish a regional female mentorship program, seeks to empower female youths across Sierra Leone’s five regions. The workshop emphasized the importance of creating a robust system for recruiting mentees, while also enhancing the leadership capabilities of female parliamentarians.

In a virtual address, Hon. Wuyata Songa, President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, highlighted the significance of this training in the context of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act of 2022. She urged her colleagues to embrace mentorship as a means of nurturing the next generation of female leaders, particularly in the political arena. Songa stressed the need to create an environment where young girls feel empowered to pursue leadership roles, standing equal to their male counterparts.

Edward Massaquoi, Principal Head of Programmes in Parliament, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that mentorship is a two-way process that benefits both mentors and mentees. He noted that mentors not only guide but also gain valuable insights and personal growth from the experience. Massaquoi underscored the role of mentors in helping mentees develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and build the resilience needed to succeed in leadership positions.

Alie B. Sesay, Senior Rule of Law Officer at the UNDP, praised the partnership between Parliament and the UNDP, noting that such collaborations are vital for building capacity and creating opportunities for young women. The training covered various topics, including skills development, organizational alignment, and setting goals for mentees, all aimed at fostering a new generation of empowered female leaders in Sierra Leone.