The Coordinator of Community Banks (CBs) at Apex Bank Sierra Leone Limited, Md. Hannah Jusu-Lavalie, has stated that “any bank without a woman is an empty bank.” She made this remark while addressing staff and shareholders of Community Banks at the opening session of a Training of Trainers program held at the John International Academy Hall in Bo City.

The training, which began on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, is organized by the Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme Phase Two (RFCIP II) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with funding from the Government of Sierra Leone and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Apex Bank’s Commitment to Gender Equity

Md. Jusu-Lavalie emphasized the Apex Bank’s commitment to gender equity and mainstreaming in expanding financial access to the rural poor. She highlighted that in the just completed recruitment drive, in line with the Apex Bank’s commitment on gender mainstreaming, over 70% of newly hired staff were qualified women. Additionally, she noted that the bank enforces a policy requiring that at least one-third of board members in Rural Financial Institutions (RFIs) be women.

Importance of Gender Inclusion in RFCIP II Project

Speaking on the significance of the training, RFCIP II Gender Officer, Patrick Komba, stressed that gender equity ensures equal access to financial services for both men and women, addressing structural barriers that limit women’s participation in rural finance. He further explained that the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), concepts such as Gender Justice and Gender-Inclusive Planning help enhance economic resilience and income-generating opportunities for marginalized groups while strengthening frameworks that support inclusive rural finance.

Representing the National Programme Coordination Unit (NPCU), George Nyambe Williams conveyed greetings from National Programme Coordinator, Mohamed Tejan-Kella, who was unable to attend due to another engagement focused on securing additional funding for the RFIs. Williams reaffirmed the project’s dedication to gender equity and mainstreaming, reflecting on RFCIP II’s achievements, including its recognition as the winner of IFAD’s Gender Award for the West and Central Africa region.

MAFS DAO

The Acting District Agriculture Officer, who is the M&E Officer for MAFS Bo District, commended RFCIP II for organizing the training, noting that it is one of several initiatives by the ministry aimed at strengthening women empowerment through access to finance by the rural poor. He urged participants to take the training seriously, as they will be responsible for cascading their knowledge to their respective communities through peer sharing.

Why the Gender Action Learning System (GALS)

The training utilizes the Gender Action Learning System (GALS)—a participatory methodology that promotes gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Through drawing techniques, GALS helps individuals and communities analyze their situations, set personal and collective goals, and take action to improve their livelihoods and relationships.

Participants in this training include staff and board members from RFCIP II Financial Services Associations (FSAs) and Community Banks (CBs) across the Southern regions of Sierra Leone, and some staff of the Apex Bank.