Strengthening Communities Through Dialogue, Leadership, and Action

The first quarter of 2026 was a busy one for the Men’s Association for Gender Equality – Sierra Leone (MAGE-SL).

At the beginning of 2026, MAGE-SL held its Annual Planning Meeting (APM), bringing staff together to reflect on the previous year and prepare collectively for the work ahead. The meeting provided an important space to strengthen teamwork, mutual understanding, and organisational unity while discussing achievements, lessons learned, challenges, and priorities for the future. In a time where many civil society organisations continue to face funding uncertainties and external pressures, the APM highlighted the importance of trust, transparency, and collective ownership within the organisation. Beyond strategic planning, the meeting also created opportunities for encouragement, connection, and shared motivation, reminding staff that strong organisations are built not only on programmes and strategies, but on the people working together behind them.

MAGE-SL continued investing in internal capacity building and organisational sustainability throughout the year. Under the leadership of Felicitas Casellas, Project Officer for Capacity Building, staff members received training in areas such as Information Technology, proposal writing, and Monitoring & Evaluation, helping strengthen both individual skills and organisational systems. Her dedication and commitment over the past three years have contributed significantly to strengthening MAGE-SL’s structures, visibility, and operational capacity at both national and international levels. At the same time, MAGE-SL initiated the development of a fundraising strategy aimed at diversifying financial resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation. Through exploring new partnerships, strengthening relationships with existing supporters, and improving long-term planning and accountability, the organisation seeks to expand its programmes and continue responding effectively to community needs across Sierra Leone.

We also continued our work to promote gender justice, human rights, and non-violent communities across Kono, Kailahun, and Pujehun districts. Through trainings, community dialogues, and capacity-building activities, MAGE-SL engaged women, young people, religious and traditional leaders, the Community Action Teams members, and civil society organisations to strengthen awareness, leadership, and community action.

One of the key activities this year was the training of women’s groups focused on building self-confidence and leadership skills. Many women shared that fear, self-doubt, and social expectations often prevent them from stepping into leadership roles. Through interactive discussions and reflection sessions, participants explored ways to recognise their strengths and overcome barriers. An inspiring highlight came from an elderly woman in Pujehun District who once served as the town chief of Senehun Sowa. Her story of leadership and service reminded participants that leadership is defined not by gender, but by dedication to the community.

MAGE-SL also continued its engagement with School Gender Clubs, empowering young people with knowledge and values that promote gender equality, respect, leadership, and non-violence. While facilitators travelled to schools and communities, the wider team worked behind the scenes on planning, coordination, monitoring, and programme development. Through discussions and activities, students were encouraged to become responsible leaders and advocates for peaceful and respectful communities.

Across remote communities, MAGE-SL engaged religious and traditional leaders through educational trainings and awareness sessions on women’s rights, human rights, positive masculinity, and non-violent behaviour. Participants reflected on harmful social norms and discussed how leaders can use their influence to promote equality and respect within their communities. To support continued advocacy, sermon guides and educational materials were distributed to religious and community leaders.

This year also marked the strengthening of Community Action Teams (CATs), which play an important role in responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases and promoting awareness at community level. CAT members were trained and organised into WhatsApp groups to improve coordination, follow-up, and support within their communities. These efforts help strengthen local ownership and long-term sustainability of community-based prevention and response mechanisms.

The activities carried out this year demonstrate the importance of dialogue, education, and community participation in advancing gender equality and human rights. Across all activities, participants gained confidence, strengthened their understanding of equality and non-violence, and committed themselves to becoming active advocates for positive change within their communities. MAGE-SL remains committed to working alongside communities to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive Sierra Leone.