The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs recently hosted a strategic engagement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to discuss the implementation of the Rural Finance Project – Phase II, aimed at expanding financial opportunities for women in rural communities across Sierra Leone.
Discussions focused on scaling up community banks that provide loans to women for small businesses, education, and housing, while also promoting financial literacy and farming mechanization. The initiative will further strengthen capacity building for women, including women with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation in rural economic development.
The meeting also emphasized gender and youth inclusion to ensure more women benefit from project interventions. In addition, both institutions highlighted the importance of raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting women’s rights in rural communities.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry and IFAD to deepen collaboration, enhance project visibility, and expand outreach to rural women.
Through partnerships like this, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs continues to champion initiatives that improve livelihoods, empower women, and advance gender equality across Sierra Leone.