Freetown, April 5, 2023 -- The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone has concluded two cohorts of training on leadership and consensus building for women leaders of political parties in Sierra Leone between 21 and 29 March, 2023.

The training, which was facilitated by The Netherland Institute for International Relations (Clingendael) brought together 41 representatives of political parties from the 16 districts, in the four regions of Sierra Leone under the auspices of the All Political Parties Women Association (APPWA). The objective was to strengthen leadership and negotiation skills of women political leaders to effectively participate in the 24 June 2023 general elections. 

Through the trainings, the women acquired essential leadership techniques on negotiation, public speaking, formulation of convincing arguments, active listening, and consensus building, as critical elements to enhance their participation as candidates, as well as promoters of inclusivity, confidence-building, and peacebuilding before, during and after the elections.  

Speaking at the launch of the training, the Executive Secretary of the PPRC, Mr. Olushogo David appreciated the support from the UNDP, expressed confidence on the training’s objectives to strategically equip the participants with requisite skills to enhance their leadership and participation in the electoral process, and highlighted major provisions of the revised PPRC Act 2022. Similarly, the UNDP Resident Representative, Pa Lamin Beyai, stated “It is essential that women’s views and interests are represented in key governance processes. I have no doubt that the skills acquired during this timely training will empower women leaders and help increase their involvement and understanding in the electoral and political process of Sierra Leone”.

The training was supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) through the project entitled ‘Promote the creation of an enabling environment for the conduct of peaceful elections and the strengthening of social cohesion in Sierra Leone’ which is implemented by UNDP and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).