By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
On Friday, March 7, 2025, a significant advancement in the fight for women’s land rights was marked by the launch of the $1.9 million Land for Peace Project. This initiative, a collaboration between Christian Aid Sierra Leone and the Government of Sierra Leone, is funded by the UN Peace Building Fund.
Unveiled at the Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown, the project aims to empower marginalized women and communities while addressing land conflicts across key districts. Mattis Koi Dimoh, Country Director of Christian Aid Sierra Leone, opened the launch by reaffirming the organization’s 80-year commitment to ending poverty and promoting justice, stating, “This project reflects our dedication to equality and human dignity, especially for women.”
Director Dimoh emphasized that Land for Peace seeks to dismantle the systemic barriers women face in land ownership, while also tackling broader land tenure issues that threaten social stability. The two-year initiative will engage over 20,000 participants in four districts: Kono, Kailahun, Tonkolili, and Port Loko, with 85% of participants being women.
Foray Musa, Chairman of the Land Commission, lauded the government’s land reform efforts but stressed the necessity for greater female inclusion: “Women must have access to natural resources if we are to create lasting peace and development.” He urged donors to ensure that their contributions yield measurable results in addressing challenges within the land sector.
Through training, advocacy, and community engagement, the project aims to empower women to take a leading role in managing natural resources and resolving land-related conflicts. More than 500 women leaders will receive specialized training to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills.
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana highlighted Sierra Leone’s low rank of 184 out of 193 on the 2024 gender equality index, calling for urgent action, particularly in rural areas where women are vital to agriculture and resource management. “The importance of data collection on women’s access to land could influence future policy changes,” she emphasized.
In her keynote address, Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, pointed out the alignment of the Land for Peace project with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on the protection and participation of women in conflict settings. “Without economic empowerment, women will struggle to advocate for their rights,” Mahoi warned, expressing gratitude to funders and calling for the project’s expansion into more communities.
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