Igniting Change: UN Women unveils the ChangeMakers programme in Sierra Leone.

In a thrilling leap towards gender equality and youth empowerment, UN Women Sierra Leone launched the ground-breaking Changemakers Program on November 20, 2024. This initiative is not just a milestone; it's a vibrant call to action, rallying young Sierra Leoneans to take the lead in transforming their communities with creativity and determination. 

Ahead of the launch, the inaugural cohort of ten exceptional young Sierra Leonean men and women, chosen through a highly competitive application and selection process, convened at the UN Women offices in Freetown for an inspiring two-day pre-launch orientation. Filled with enthusiasm and ambition, these ChangeMakers embarked on a transformative journey that marked the beginning of their roles as catalysts for change. 

The orientation paved the way for a month-long mentorship program at the UN Women offices, where they deepened their understanding of their responsibilities, refined their leadership skills, and gained the empowerment they deserved guided by the UN Women program and operations staff. 

Following the mentorship, the ChangeMakers will be assigned to various UN Women projects across Sierra Leone, relocating to districts where they will work closely with local national implementing partners in the year-long apprenticeship. The initiative combines expert mentorship with the invaluable skills and perspectives of the ChangeMakers, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in advancing gender equality and youth leadership initiatives. With close supervision from their mentors, they will contribute to meaningful, on-the-ground solutions while continuing to build their capacity as transformative leaders. 

During the orientation and throughout their apprenticeship, the ChangeMakers explored and will continue to address critical themes such as gender equality, youth leadership, and sustainable development, laying a strong foundation for impactful action. Poised to drive meaningful change, they are ready to bridge community needs with UN Women’s vision for equality and empowerment, ensuring their work leaves a lasting legacy. 

“This is not just a program—it is a movement,” Catherine Smith, one of the participants, passionately stated. “We are here to learn, grow, and give back to our communities in meaningful ways.” 

A Movement Begins 

The official launch event was a celebration of collaboration and vision. Government leaders, UN representatives, and key stakeholders united to highlight the program’s intimate yet powerful scope.  

“It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the impact, with just 10 changemakers, we’re building a legacy of pioneers who will inspire generations to come.” emphasized the UN Resident Coordinator - Seraphine Wakana.  

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs energized the audience with a compelling message: “Your voices matter, your actions inspire. Today, we invest in changemakers who will transform our communities, ensuring equality and opportunity for all.” 

In agreement, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs highlighted the potential of young people, stating, “Sierra Leone’s youth are its greatest asset. Programs like this align with our commitment to empower the next generation of leaders.” 

A Commitment to the Future 

The Minister of State, Office of the Vice President shared insights on sustainable growth, noting, “Climate, agriculture, and nutrition are at the core of youth empowerment and economic development. By focusing on these areas, we’re securing a brighter future for generations to come.” 

Setcheme Mongbo, the UN Women Head of Office in Sierra Leone, expressed sincere gratitude: “This program reflects our dream of achieving a generation of achievers and our passion for engaging youth in gender equality and empowerment. Your support fuels our mission to create a world where everyone thrives.” She called on more stakeholders to join the cause with resources, funding, and expertise so as to sustain and scale up the initiative.  

Why It Matters 

The Changemakers Program is more than an initiative; it's a promise to nurture young leaders who are shaping the future. By emphasizing gender equality, sustainability, and youth empowerment, it addresses critical gaps and builds a foundation for lasting change. 

To support this inspiring journey, consider contributing through funding, technical assistance, or policy advocacy. Together, we can equip more young Sierra Leoneans with the tools to change the world. 

We Are UN Women.