The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) has concluded a comprehensive Leadership and Feminism training for its Board Members and Volunteers across all its operational regions in the country. This initiative is a key part of the Association’s ongoing strategy to reinforce institutional governance, champion gender equality, and equip its leaders with the tools for strategic leadership and innovative management.
The capacity-building sessions united regional and branch Board Members, youth, and volunteers to enhance their grasp of leadership principles rooted in feminist values. The training curriculum covered critical areas including “Governance & Feminism in Sierra Leone: Advancing Rights, Power, Opportunity & Voice,” strategic leadership, gender-transformative leadership, and inclusive decision-making. Further topics such as accountability, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy, and the role of feminism in promoting social justice and equity were also thoroughly explored.
In his opening address, the Honorary President of PPASL, Mr. Hassan Fuad Kanu, stressed the necessity of cultivating a leadership culture that is both inclusive and transformative. He affirmed the timeliness of the training, particularly as the Association undertakes a review of its policies. Mr. Kanu also elaborated on the essence of feminist leadership, noting that it transcends gender by promoting core values of fairness, empathy, collaboration, and shared responsibility in the advancement of SRHR and human rights for everyone
Facilitators Dr. Victor Massaquoi, a development expert, and Baindu Massaquoi-Taylor, a Programme Specialist at UN Women, led participants through interactive sessions. These discussions delved into power dynamics, prevailing gender norms, intersectionality, and the critical importance of amplifying the voices of youth and women in governance. The training also served as a dynamic platform for attendees to share their experiences and collaboratively develop action plans to integrate feminist approaches within their communities and the organization’s structure.
This training aligns directly with PPASL’s broader strategic goal of fortifying governance systems and leadership capabilities at every level. It further underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, girls, and marginalized groups through leadership and advocacy informed by feminist principles.
