Women’s Forum, Sierra Leone
The Womens Forum is the national umbrella organization for women in Sierra Leone, and is engaged in women’s human rights, peace, and security issues. It was formed in February 1994 in response to the need for a women’s organization to unify women’s organisations for the purposes of information sharing and mobilization for a collective stand on issues affecting women. Since its inception, it has served as a rallying point for women. It was instrumental in bringing about a democratically elected civilian government in Sierra Leone in 1996. The Womens Forum also challenged the rebels in 2000 to lay down their arms.
Other acheivements include advocating for implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations for women, and passage of the three gender laws on domestic violence, devolution of estates, and registration of customary marriage and divorce. The organization has been working on popularization of the Nairobi Declaration on Women and Girls Rights to a Remedy and Reparation, and is a part of the coalition working on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and 1820.
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