The Global Youth Network for Empowerment and Development (GYNED), with funding support from the Government of Iceland through the UNFPA Sierra Leone, has successfully concluded a five-day comprehensive Organisational Development and Systems Strengthening (ODSS) Training for girl-led, youth-led and women-led organisations from the Falaba, Koinadugu, Karene districts and the Western Area.
The training, held from 23rd to 28th November 2025 at the Hotel Conteh U in Makeni, forms part of the national programme titled “Accelerating Progress Towards the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone.”
Bringing together more than 50 participants from diverse grassroots, community-based and youth-led, girl-led and women-led organisations, the ODSS training aimed to improve the institutional effectiveness, governance systems, leadership capacity and advocacy skills of the grassroots organizations working to protect girls and young women from all harmful practices, including Female Genital Mutilation – FGM and Sexual Gender Based Violence – SGBV.
Speaking during the opening session, Mr. Musa Khalil Koroma, Executive Director of Global Youth Network – GYNED, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to strengthening grassroot organizations and civil society structures as a critical step toward national sustainable development and the elimination of all forms of harmful traditional practices. “When our local institutions are strong, coordinated and well-governed, their impact on community transformation becomes more powerful and sustainable,” he said.
A Rich and Diverse Training Package
The five-day training featured a comprehensive learning agenda delivered by seasoned facilitators from partner organizations, public institutions and civil society networks. Training components included:
· Introduction to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Understanding definitions, types, drivers, and health consequences etc.
· Organizational Development & Systems Strengthening (ODSS): Helping organizations to assess their growth stages, competencies and develop internal control systems and structures.
· Leadership, Governance & Management: Strengthening decision-making, organizational structures, and accountability systems.
· Disability Inclusion: Ensuring youth movements integrate inclusive practices for persons living with disabilities.
· Collaboration, Coordination & Partnership Building: Enhancing unified action among grassroots organizations.
· Strategic Planning & Operational Management
· Project Planning, Development & Management
· Protection, Safety & Wellbeing, including emotional resilience and safeguarding measures.
· Advocacy, Policy Influence & Community Mobilization
· Human Resources Management
· Introduction to Mental Health & Wellbeing
· Strategic Communication, Digital Tools & Media Engagement
· Effective Financial Management, Resource Mobilization & Sustainability Planning
· Networking, Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
· Knowledge & Change Management
· Monitoring & Evaluation etc.
The training was complemented by group assignments, daily recap sessions, practical activities, panel discussions and Facebook Live talk shows that aligned with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Formalizing Collaboration Through an MoU
A major highlight of the training was the development, review and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among participating grassroot organizations. The MoU establishes a framework for sustained collaboration, coalition building, coordinated advocacy, joint programming and information sharing, particularly in the fight against FGM and all other forms of gender-based violence.
“We now have a shared platform that binds us to collective action. This is a major step toward building a strong, united front against harmful practices in our communities,” said one participant, Augustine Kandeh, as he delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all organizations represented.
Strengthening Grassroots Action for National Impact
UNFPA Sierra Leone and the Government of Iceland have continued to prioritize grassroots empowerment as a core element of their strategies for FGM elimination in Sierra Leone. Through the ODSS training and small grant initiative, the grassroot and local organizations gained stronger capacity to lead evidence-based advocacy, manage community interventions, maintain accountability systems and engage meaningfully in national efforts to protect girls and young women.
GYNED’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Jessy Jim Braima Kpagoi, who led the pre-test, post-test and training evaluation exercises, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and capacity building. “This training equips organizations with the skills they need to grow, sustain their operations and make lasting contributions to national sustainable development,” he noted.
A Step Forward in the Fight to End FGM in Sierra Leone
The participants expressed deep appreciation to the UNFPA Sierra Leone, the Government of Iceland and Global Youth Network, acknowledging the training as timely, empowering and transformative. Many pledged to cascade the knowledge to their teams and strengthen their organizational systems to better serve their communities.
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The successful conclusion of the training marks a key milestone in strengthening grassroot youth-led, girl-led and women-led civil society organizations across Sierra Leone and building a united national movement committed to ending FGM, promoting gender equality, and empowering girls and young women to thrive.
