In a momentous gathering at the Bintumani Hotel hall, the launch of the Enhanced Resilience of Rural Communities through Women-Led Conservation, Financial Inclusion, and Livelihood Diversification project by GOAL-Sierra Leone transpired amidst notable dignitaries and partners. shedding light on crucial issues and emphasizing the pivotal role of women in driving economic progress and sustainable development.*
*The Country Director of GOAL-Sierra Leone, conveyed gratitude for the collaboration marking the inception of the Blue Economy project aimed at fortifying the resilience of rural communities, predominantly in the Kambia and Western Area rural districts. Acknowledgment was extended to New Jersey Aid and esteemed partners like the conservation society and Njala University for their pivotal support.*
*Emphasizing the significance of environmental protection and sustainable practices in the oceanic and coastal regions, the project aspires towards fostering a more sustainable future through collective efforts with the Sierra Leone government and local stakeholders.*
*The Chairman of the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Food Security, and Energy underscored the crucial link between economic empowerment and resilience, particularly emphasizing the need to strengthen the financial standing of women in Sierra Leone. Highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in times of disasters, the Chairman outlined ongoing initiatives to amplify women’s empowerment through financial inclusion.*
*Noteworthy was the Chairman’s call to preserve the mangroves, emphasizing their critical role as breeding grounds for fish and the need to safeguard this ecosystem to avert dire consequences from deforestation.*
*The discourse at the event resonated with a shared commitment to bolstering the resilience of rural communities, particularly through empowering women and fostering sustainable practices in line with the Blue Economy project’s overarching goals.*
*However, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development underscored the significance of empowering women, particularly in sectors like fishing and human capital development. She emphasized the need for gender equality in economic empowerment and political representation to realize the country’s “Feed Salone” Presidential agenda. Furthermore, she highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of women in the Blue Economy sector and urged both NGOs and government entities to provide equal support and recognition to women entrepreneurs in this field.*
*As the keynote speaker, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources expressed her gratitude for GOAL’s contributions towards bolstering the blue economy and advancing the government’s agenda to enhance fisheries production. She lauded the project for creating employment opportunities and providing essential training to the populace. She reiterated her ministry’s commitment to collaborating with GOAL, other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure sustainable fisheries management in Sierra Leone’s diverse Blue Economy to guarantee food security and nutrition for the nation.
*Meanwhile, this transformative initiative heralds a new chapter in the concerted efforts to empower communities, enhance conservation practices, and promote sustainable livelihoods, signifying a significant step towards a more resilient and vibrant future for Sierra Leone.
