By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

The launch of the $1.9 million “Women’s Land for Peace” project on March 7, 2025, at the Family Kingdom in Freetown, is a landmark moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice. Spearheaded by Christian Aid in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and five national organizations, this initiative is more than just another development project—it is a bold statement that women’s rights, land ownership, and peace are deeply interconnected.

For too long, land ownership in Sierra Leone has been riddled with gender biases. Women, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, often find themselves sidelined when it comes to owning and controlling land. This marginalization is not just a legal issue but a socio-economic and cultural one that perpetuates inequality and fuels conflicts. The “Women’s Land for Peace” project, set to be implemented over two years in Port Loko, Kailahun, Kono, and Tonkolili, seeks to challenge this status quo by empowering women as leaders in land and resource management.

Why Land Rights Matter for Women and Peace

The ability to own land is more than just an economic right; it is a fundamental human right that determines access to resources, financial security, and social standing. Women’s limited access to land not only affects their livelihoods but also undermines their ability to contribute to peace and stability in their communities. When women are excluded from land ownership and decision-making processes, they are also excluded from shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Minister of Gender and Child Affairs, Isata Mahoi, rightly pointed out that this project aligns with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The fight against gender inequality must be holistic, and land rights are an essential part of that struggle.

Sierra Leone has come a long way in empowering women, with more women breaking barriers in politics, business, and social movements. However, without secure land ownership, many women remain economically vulnerable, unable to fully participate in decision-making or safeguard their futures.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Peace and Gender Equality

Christian Aid’s Country Director, Mattia Koi Dimoh, emphasized the project’s potential to foster transformative pathways to peace through natural resource management. This is crucial because conflicts over land are not just about ownership—they are about power, resources, and survival. By ensuring that women have a voice in land governance, this initiative is also contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts.

The project’s partnership with organizations such as Green Scenery, Network Movement for Justice and Development, Women’s Network for Environmental Sustainability, Barefoot Women Solar Engineer Association of Sierra Leone, and the 50/50 Group demonstrates a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue. These organizations bring expertise in gender rights, environmental sustainability, and community-based development, ensuring that the project is not just a policy initiative but a grassroots movement for change.

Director Koi Dimoh further outlined the key objectives of the initiative, including:

• Strengthening women-led organizations to combat gender-based discrimination in land ownership.
• Creating a peaceful and gender-inclusive environment for resolving land conflicts.
• Supporting the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and the Land Acts.

These goals are not just aspirational; they are necessary if Sierra Leone is to create a fair and just society. The exclusion of women from land ownership has been a major driver of economic inequality, and tackling this issue head-on will pave the way for a more inclusive and peaceful nation.

Breaking the Silence on Women’s Rights Violations

Seraphine Wakana, the United Nations Country Representative, underscored the urgent need to break the silence surrounding women’s rights violations. She highlighted the systemic challenges women face in decision-making processes, particularly in land and resource management.

“We must not remain silent in the face of violations of women and girls’ rights,” she stated, calling for stronger collaborative approaches to ensure the project fulfills its promise.

Her words serve as a reminder that gender justice is not just about policy changes—it requires a shift in societal attitudes, traditions, and power structures. Land is a deeply political issue, and without deliberate efforts to include women, progress will remain superficial.

A Call to Action: Beyond the Launch

The launch of the “Women’s Land for Peace” project is a step in the right direction, but the real work lies ahead. Successful implementation will require continuous government support, community engagement, and unwavering commitment from civil society organizations.

Sierra Leone’s Third Generation National Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 provides a framework for advancing the women, peace, and security agenda. However, policies and frameworks mean little if they do not translate into real change for women on the ground.

Women in Sierra Leone have fought for—and won—the right to vote, work, and lead. Now, the fight is for land ownership, economic independence, and lasting peace. This project must not become just another donor-funded initiative that fades into obscurity after its two-year cycle. It must be a catalyst for broader legal reforms, stronger institutional protections, and a cultural shift toward gender equality in land rights.

As we reflect on this initiative, one question remains: Will Sierra Leone finally recognize that women’s land rights are not just about gender justice, but about national stability, economic growth, and sustainable peace? The answer lies in our collective will to turn this vision into reality.