Its establishment was prompted by the realisation that Sierra Leone is constantly challenged by environmental degradation/climate change and the consequent negative impact on its citizens, especially the women and children. The relationship between gender, the environment and the relatively recent climate change phenomenon has not been properly explored in Sierra Leone. Rather, a lot of emphasis i
s placed on women’s economic and political empowerment as well as sexual and gender based violence, basically overshadowing an even larger threat (environmental degradation) to women’s development. In Sierra Leone, women who form the bulk of the population (52% 2004 census), are the major providers and suffer the most, yet their views and ideas are not incorporated in the planning, policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of environmental and climate change issues in the country. In recent years, Sierra Leone has recorded a worrying progressive increase in the level of destruction largely triggered by excessive downpour of rain during the July- September periods. As a way of addressing this and contributing to existing efforts, WoNES on one level, engages women, girls and their communities (including community stakeholders, spouses and young men), especially those in the rural areas, to promote a safer environment in Sierra Leone. On the other level, we engage with government and relevant stakeholders to share experiences and lessons learnt from the beneficiaries expecting that it will stimulate the development of policies which will address these crucial issues and ultimately enhance compliance to international standards through more efficient environmental management.
