Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat

Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat Empowering young women to become leaders who advance women's rights & promote gender equality

Currently in Freetown, the Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat(YWIGN) is participating in the validation of th...
17/09/2026

Currently in Freetown, the Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat(YWIGN) is participating in the validation of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, convened by the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL with support from UNICEF and UNFPA Sierra Leone.

The validation brings together key stakeholders to review, strengthen and provide inputs into a national strategy aimed at advancing coordinated efforts to reduce FGM and protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of girls and women across Sierra Leone.

YWIGN is proud to be part of this important process, bringing the voices and perspectives of young women into conversations that shape national policies and actions.

Together, we can strengthen the commitment to a Sierra Leone where every girl can grow up safe, protected and free from FGM.

SEND - SIERRA LEONE
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
UNDP in Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown
Forum Against Harmful Practices-FAHP

The More Than a Woman (MTAW) team is meeting in Kenema for a programme induction at SEND - SIERRA LEONE. Staff from Kail...
17/09/2026

The More Than a Woman (MTAW) team is meeting in Kenema for a programme induction at SEND - SIERRA LEONE. Staff from Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, Bonthe and Falaba are joined by colleagues from the Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat (YWIGN) and SEND’s support teams.

Supported by the Government of Ireland in Sierra Leone through its Embassy in Sierra Leone, MTAW runs from July 2026 to June 2029. Together, SEND and YWIGN will strengthen women’s leadership, economic opportunity, disability inclusion, climate resilience and accountability for public services.

Today’s induction prepares our teams for that work and for a shared goal, moving from participation to meaningful influence.

Irish Aid
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL

BEYOND 30%, WOMEN MUST HAVE A VOICE THAT MATTERSOn 11 September 2026, women leaders, civil society, political representa...
13/09/2026

BEYOND 30%, WOMEN MUST HAVE A VOICE THAT MATTERS

On 11 September 2026, women leaders, civil society, political representatives and key stakeholders came together at Vanilla Complex, Aberdeen, to discuss Women’s Voices in the Constitutional Review Process.

The meeting was organized by Campaign for Good Governance with support from Trocaire.

The Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat (YWIGN) participated in this important conversation, adding young women’s voices to the call for stronger and more meaningful representation.

The message was clear, 30% nomination is only a starting point. Women must move from presence to influence, from numbers to meaningful participation, and from political divisions to solidarity on issues that affect women and girls.

Representation is not just about being at the table, it is about having a voice, being heard and shaping decisions.

SEND - SIERRA LEONE
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown

The Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat (YWIGN) has strengthened its partnership with SEND - SIERRA LEONE thro...
11/09/2026

The Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat (YWIGN) has strengthened its partnership with SEND - SIERRA LEONE through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the More Than a Woman (MTAW) Project, funded by Irish Aid

The MOU was signed by YWIGN National Director, Mariama Jalloh, and SEND Sierra Leone Country Director, Ayamga Awimboora Joseph, at the SEND Sierra Leone office in Kenema District.

The partnership marks an important step in advancing the shared goals of the More Than a Woman Project, which seeks to empower women and girls, strengthen women’s leadership and participation, and promote inclusive development across Sierra Leone.

With support from Irish Aid , YWIGN and SEND Sierra Leone will work together to create greater opportunities for women and young people, amplify community voices, challenge barriers to women’s participation, and support initiatives that promote gender equality and stronger, more inclusive communities.

The MOU also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable change. By combining their expertise, experience, and community networks, both organisations will strengthen their collective impact and help ensure that women and girls are recognised as more than beneficiaries , they are leaders, decision-makers, and active contributors to the development of their communities.

Through the More Than a Woman Project, and with the support of Irish Aid, YWIGN and SEND Sierra Leone are turning commitment into action, strengthening women’s voices, and creating more space for women and girls to lead.

TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown

LET HER BE A GIRL. LET HER DREAM. LET HER BECOME. A girl should never have to choose between her safety and her future.S...
09/09/2026

LET HER BE A GIRL. LET HER DREAM. LET HER BECOME.

A girl should never have to choose between her safety and her future.

She deserves to grow up in an environment where her dignity is respected, her rights are protected, her voice is heard, and her dreams are taken seriously.

Protecting girls is not only about speaking against the things that harm them. It is about creating opportunities that allow them to discover their potential, pursue their education, make informed choices, and confidently shape the future they want.

Every girl we protect today is a woman we empower for tomorrow.

And when we protect girls, we protect the future of our communities.

Let us do more than tell girls they matter. Let our actions prove it.

Protect the girl. Preserve her dignity. Invest in her future. Build a stronger nation.

TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
SEND - SIERRA LEONE
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown
Forum Against Harmful Practices-FAHP
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)

The YWIGN team is currently holding an ongoing team meeting at the Freetown office, with discussions focused on the way ...
07/09/2026

The YWIGN team is currently holding an ongoing team meeting at the Freetown office, with discussions focused on the way forward for the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN).

The meeting provides an opportunity for the team to reflect on the Network’s progress, discuss key priorities, strengthen teamwork, and explore practical strategies for moving YWIGN forward and creating greater impact for young women across Sierra Leone.

The session is being chaired by Gracelia IMO Jojo, who is guiding the team through constructive discussions and reflections on the Network’s next steps.

Together, we reflect. Together, we strategize. Together, we move YWIGN forward.

SEND - SIERRA LEONE
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown

A proud moment for the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN).We are excited to announce that YWIGN is among the 12 C...
31/08/2026

A proud moment for the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN).

We are excited to announce that YWIGN is among the 12 Civil Society Organizations selected to receive a grant under the GEF Small Grants Programme , Operational Phase 8, supported by the UNDP in Sierra Leone

This is more than a grant. It is a vote of confidence in local leadership, community action and the power of young people to be part of solving the challenges that affect our communities.

For YWIGN, this opportunity comes at an important time. It gives us even more room to bring our experience, energy and commitment to communities and ensure that young women are not only part of the conversation, but are actively contributing to solutions.

From 1 September 2026 to 31 July 2027, we will be working alongside communities and partners to turn this opportunity into action, and action into impact.

We are grateful for the trust demonstrated by UNDP, excited about the journey ahead, and ready for the work.

This is YWIGN stepping forward, because when young women are empowered to lead, communities become stronger and the future becomes brighter.

SEND - SIERRA LEONE
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown

Happy Birthday to Our Exceptional National Director, Mariama JallohToday, we celebrate not just your birthday, but the r...
28/08/2026

Happy Birthday to Our Exceptional National Director, Mariama Jalloh

Today, we celebrate not just your birthday, but the remarkable woman, leader, mentor, and change-maker that you are.

Your dedication to empowering young women, strengthening their voices, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in governance continues to inspire us every day. Your leadership, commitment, and passion have helped shape the Young Women in Governance Network into a stronger movement.

As you add another beautiful year, may this new chapter bring you greater wisdom, renewed strength, happiness, good health, and countless reasons to smile. May your vision continue to inspire, your work continue to create impact, and your journey continue to touch many lives.

From all of us at the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN), we wish you a truly wonderful and memorable birthday.

Happy Birthday, Madam National Director, Mariama Jalloh

Your leadership inspires. Your dedication transforms. Your impact lives on.

HER DREAMS ARE BIGGER THAN THE HARMFUL PRACTICES THAT TRY TO HOLD HER BACK.She dreams of becoming a doctor. She dreams o...
27/08/2026

HER DREAMS ARE BIGGER THAN THE HARMFUL PRACTICES THAT TRY TO HOLD HER BACK.

She dreams of becoming a doctor.
She dreams of walking across a graduation stage.
She dreams of leading, creating, innovating, and making a difference.

But for too many girls, harmful practices like Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) can stand between them and the future they deserve.

A girl should not have to lose a part of herself to belong. She should not have to choose between tradition and her wellbeing. She deserves protection, dignity, education, and the freedom to decide her own future.

Through the SAFE GIRL Project, we are raising voices, changing mindsets, empowering communities, and working towards a future where girls are free to dream without fear.

Because when we protect a girl, we protect a dream.
When we protect her dream, we strengthen a generation.

Protect Her Dreams. End FGM.
Her future is worth protecting.

SEND - SIERRA LEONE
TERRA Projekte International e.V.
Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown
Forum Against Harmful Practices-FAHP
His Excellency Julius Maada Bio

The SAFE GIRL Project, implemented by the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN) and sponsored by TERRA Projekte Int...
26/08/2026

The SAFE GIRL Project, implemented by the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN) and sponsored by TERRA Projekte International e.V. through SEND - SIERRA LEONE helped turn a simple savings meeting into a powerful opportunity for women in Port Loko.

The Shero Cooperative Credit Union, Port Loko, visited the Lunsar Women Empowerment VSLA Group with an inspiring message, when women save together, they can dream bigger, build stronger businesses, and create brighter futures.

During the engagement, members learned how to open a cooperative account and access loans to expand their livelihoods and businesses. The Manager of Shero Cooperative Credit Union, Madam Lilian Adama Kargbo, pledged her support to help the group establish an account and connect with valuable financial services.

Inspired by the opportunity, the women quickly took action. They pooled their resources and selected three members who will open the group’s account within the week.

This is not just an account, it is a doorway to opportunity, a foundation for growth, and a bold step towards financial inclusion, stronger livelihoods, and greater economic independence for women.

Together, the women of Lunsar are proving that small savings can lead to big dreams.

Irish Aid
Ireland in Sierra Leone
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Embassy of Iceland in Freetown
UNDP in Sierra Leone

Address

38 Spur Road
Freetown

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 05:00

Telephone

+23279447556

Website

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