UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- September 1 - 5

RCO

Stakeholders use data to identify 9 Chiefdoms for Spotlight rollout in Moyamba, Kailahun & Falaba. 

Stakeholders in Falaba, Moyamba, and Kailahun have identified nine Chiefdoms for the EU–UN funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a four-year programme to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). The choice was based on GBV prevalence, access to services, community support, and harmful social norms.

• Falaba: Mongor, Neya, Sulima

• Moyamba: Korri, Kagboro, Ribbi

• Kailahun: Luawa, Yawel, Malema

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, praised the inclusive process and noted benefits will extend beyond the nine Chiefdoms to entire districts and the country.

Launched nationally in July 2025, Spotlight 2.0 builds on the 2018–2023 phase—the largest global investment to end GBV. It focuses on four outcomes: strengthening the enabling environment, preventing violence, survivor-centered services, and empowering civil society.

Implementation will be led by UNDP (laws & policies), UNICEF (social norms), UNFPA (survivor services), and UN Women (civil society empowerment), with Rainbo Initiative working nationally. The programme aims to drive a significant reduction in violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

WFP

In collaboration with NDMA empower local disaster committees in flood-prone regions. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to building resilient communities, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), has launched a targeted initiative to strengthen District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) in flood-prone areas across the country.

This strategic partnership follows the successful completion of operational readiness training, equipping DDMCs with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. By enhancing local capacity, the initiative aims to ensure that these district-level committees are not only functional but also proactive in managing disaster risks.

The collaboration between WFP and NDMA is fostering improved coordination among stakeholders and promoting a culture of preparedness. Through this joint effort, communities are being empowered to take ownership of their disaster response strategies, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient environments.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in decentralizing disaster management and reinforcing the role of local actors in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. 

UNDP

Empowers women-led businesses to represent Sierra Leone at IATF 2025.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone has supported women-led enterprises that took part in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), in Algiers, Algeria from September 4–10, 2025. It was organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

IATF2025 is Africa’s premier trade and investment platform, bringing together thousands of businesses, policymakers, and investors from across the continent and beyond. 
The trade fair presented an invaluable opportunity for Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs to showcase innovative “Made in Sierra Leone” products, built partnerships, and expanded into new markets. Their participation highlighted the growing role of women in driving inclusive economic growth and innovation.

Through its local economic development programmes, UNDP provides grants, technical assistance, and business development support to women entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen their enterprises and access larger value chains.

This year, three women-led businesses, Shea & More, Trippie’s Clothing, and Grace & Co Food Processing Enterprise represented Sierra Leone at IATF2025. Together, they showcased skincare, fashion, and agro-processing products that reflected the creativity and resilience of Sierra Leonean women.

UNDP’s support underscored its commitment to empowering women in business and advancing Sierra Leone’s national development priorities. By connecting local enterprises to continental and global platforms, UNDP is helping to unlock opportunities that drive sustainable growth and create lasting impact.