The Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WAADO) has launched a community-based savings initiative aimed at strengthening the financial independence and business capacity of women, youth and persons with disabilities in five districts across Sierra Leone.
The project, titled “Strengthen Economic Resilience and Leadership of Women Youth and People with Special Need,” was launched at the City Council on Monday, 12 October 2026, with support from the Embassy of Iceland.
The initiative seeks to improve beneficiaries’ access to financial services and market opportunities by helping them formalise their economic activities, strengthen their businesses and establish Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in targeted communities.
The project will cover Kambia, Port Loko, Western Area Rural, Moyamba and Bonthe districts. WAADO plans to establish, train and support savings associations in these areas to help women, youth and other vulnerable groups build financial security through collective savings and community-based lending.
Speaking at the launch, WAADO Chief Executive Officer Doris said the initiative would enable beneficiaries to save money within their communities and access loans through their savings groups.
She explained that savings boxes would be provided in different communities to help members manage their contributions and access funds when necessary. According to her, the approach would also reduce beneficiaries’ reliance on microfinance institutions by allowing them to borrow from funds accumulated through their own savings associations.
Representing the Ministry of Gender, Foday Mohamed Sesay welcomed the initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to use the opportunity responsibly. He said the ministry would provide technical support, including measures to protect women from gender-based violence.
Sesay also urged beneficiaries to maintain open and respectful communication with their spouses to prevent financial disagreements from creating conflict within their households.
Humu Turay, representing the FAWA organization, encouraged women to support one another and work collectively to protect their rights, noting the challenges and vulnerabilities women face in society.
She urged beneficiaries to take the initiative seriously, improve their financial standing and expand their businesses. Turay also stressed the importance of responsible management and commitment to maintaining the confidence of the project’s sponsors.
A representative of Legal Aid, identified as Mr. Sesay, encouraged beneficiaries to embrace the initiative while remaining vigilant against fraudulent activities.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that women occupy leadership positions within the savings associations so that the structures serve their intended beneficiaries. He added that beneficiaries could seek assistance from Legal Aid in cases involving alleged human rights violations or suspected fraud.
Emma Kamara, a police officer representing the Kissy Police Post, also welcomed the initiative and called on members to maintain transparency and accountability in managing group funds.
She said the police had received complaints involving loan disputes and disagreements between women and their husbands. Kamara urged beneficiaries to communicate respectfully with their spouses about borrowing while cautioning them against misusing funds contributed by other members.
Alie Sesay, president of persons with disabilities in the Western Area Rural District, stressed the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities participate meaningfully in the project.
He said they should have equal opportunities to benefit from the initiative despite the challenges they face. He also recommended that loan amounts be determined by considering individual circumstances and beneficiaries’ ability to repay.
Sesay described the initiative as an opportunity for persons with disabilities to build savings, access financial support and participate more actively in economic activities.
Through the establishment and training of community savings associations, WAADO aims to promote financial inclusion, strengthen leadership and create opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities to develop sustainable businesses across the five targeted districts.
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