Women-Led Change in Action
Concerned Women Kono District sub-group at Waidu Village, Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District.
Concerned Women Kono District sub-group at Waidu Village, Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District marks their last konso (pigeon pills) planting for the 2023–2024 farming season. This 10-hectare piece of land was cultivated with a tractor under the sponsorship of Concerned Women Kono District, a local NGO based in Kono District and other Districts of Sierra Leone.
On behalf of the management and staff of Concerned Women Kono District I want to say thank you to Waidu Group, the local authorities and the CEO Madam Tiwa Kaifala Kaimachiande for providing the support and the enabling environment for women of Kono District and Sierra Leone by extension to be economically and politically empowered.
Jespa S. Komba, Administrative Manager – Concerned Women Kono District
The jubilant mode of the Waidu Women at the farm site as this marks their second year of support provided to them by CWKD.
Key Programs and Successes in Kono District
Through sustained community engagement and strategic partnerships, Concerned Women Kono has delivered meaningful change across four core areas.
Education Initiatives
Concerned Women Kono has prioritized education as a cornerstone of empowerment.
- Provided scholarships and mentorship programs to support girls’ access to primary and secondary education.
- Advocated against early marriage and cultural practices that hinder girls’ education.
- Organized community sensitization campaigns highlighting the importance of keeping girls in school.
Health Programs
Health interventions have focused on improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes.
- Conducted awareness campaigns on maternal health, family planning, and reproductive rights.
- Partnered with health facilities to provide training for women on safe motherhood practices.
- Led community education initiatives on HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention, and other public health issues.
Economic Empowerment
Concerned Women Kono has worked to reduce economic marginalization by equipping women with skills and resources.
- Delivered vocational training in tailoring, agriculture, and small-scale trade.
- Established microfinance opportunities and savings groups to support women entrepreneurs.
- Facilitated market access for women-led businesses, strengthening household income and community resilience.
Advocacy and Rights
Advocacy remains central to the organization’s mission.
- Led campaigns against gender-based violence, raising awareness and supporting survivors.
- Lobbied for women’s inclusion in local governance structures, ensuring representation in decision-making forums.
- Engaged with policymakers to influence district-level development planning with a gender-sensitive lens.
- Promoted cultural change by challenging harmful norms and advancing women’s rights through dialogue and education.
Our Story and Mission
Founding Story and Motivation
Concerned Women Kono was founded in response to the pressing need for women’s voices to be heard in the social, economic, and political development of Kono District. Emerging from grassroots mobilization, the organization was established by a group of visionary women leaders who recognized the systemic challenges faced by women and girls, ranging from limited access to education and healthcare, to economic marginalization and gender-based violence.
The founders were motivated by a shared vision of a community where women are empowered to lead, advocate, and transform their lives and those of their families. Their determination was fueled by the belief that sustainable development in Kono District could only be achieved if women were given equal opportunities to participate in decision-making and contribute meaningfully to community growth.
Mission Statement
The mission of Concerned Women Kono is to empower women and girls through education, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives that promote health, economic independence, and social justice.
The organization works to dismantle systemic barriers, amplify women’s voices, and create pathways for inclusive participation in decision-making at all levels. By combining grassroots mobilization with strategic partnerships, Concerned Women Kono seeks to ensure that women are not only beneficiaries of development but also leaders and agents of change.
Intended Impact
By focusing on women and girls, the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) aims to:
Improve Livelihoods
Improve livelihoods through skills training, entrepreneurship, and access to economic opportunities.
Enhance Education & Healthcare
Enhance access to quality education and healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups.
Reduce Gender-Based Violence
Reduce gender-based violence and strengthen protection mechanisms across communities.
Promote Leadership
Promote leadership opportunities for women in community governance and decision-making.
Build Resilient Communities
Build resilient communities where women’s voices shape development priorities.
Milestones Since Establishment
Since its founding, Concerned Women Kono has grown from a grassroots initiative into a respected community-based organization with a strong presence across Kono District. The organization’s journey has been marked by several key milestones:
Formation of Women’s Advocacy Groups
Establishing local women’s groups that serve as platforms for collective action, peer support, and advocacy.
Launch of Literacy and Skills Training Programs
Introducing adult literacy classes and vocational training to equip women with essential skills for economic independence.
Expansion to Rural Communities
Extending outreach beyond urban centers to remote villages, ensuring that marginalized women and girls are included in empowerment initiatives.
Institutional Growth
Developing a formal governance structure, securing office space, and building a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Recognition and Partnerships
Gaining credibility through collaborations with local government, NGOs, and international partners, which strengthened the organization’s capacity and visibility.
Partnerships and Recognition
Concerned Women Kono has cultivated strong partnerships that have been instrumental in expanding its reach and impact. These collaborations have enabled the organization to leverage resources, share expertise, and amplify advocacy efforts.
Local Government Agencies
The organization works closely with district authorities to integrate women’s priorities into local development plans. This partnership has facilitated joint initiatives in education, health, and community mobilization, ensuring that women’s voices are represented in governance structures.
International NGOs
Collaborations with international partners have provided technical support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building programs. These partnerships have strengthened Concerned Women Kono’s ability to deliver high-quality interventions and align with global best practices in women’s empowerment.
Community-Based Organizations
By partnering with grassroots groups, Concerned Women Kono has built strong networks that enhance community ownership and sustainability. These alliances ensure that interventions are culturally relevant and locally driven.
Recognition
The organization has received acknowledgment from both local and international stakeholders for its role in advancing women’s rights and contributing to district-level development planning. Awards, commendations, and invitations to policy forums have reinforced its credibility as a trusted advocate for women and girls.
Through these partnerships and recognition, Concerned Women Kono has positioned itself as a key player in the women’s rights movement in Sierra Leone, enhancing its visibility and influence at both local and national levels.
Make a Difference Today
Stand with Women in Kono District
Your support helps improve livelihoods, enhance access to education and healthcare, and reduce gender-based violence for women and girls in Kono District and across Sierra Leone.