By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Women Forum for Human Rights and Democracy (WOFRAD) has marked 20 years of advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls in Sierra Leone, reflecting on its achievements, challenges, and long-term impact.
Speaking during the anniversary celebration in Makeni, WOFRAD Executive Director and Co-founder Emelia Kamara Jengo said the organisation was established at the then Fatima Institute, now the University of Makeni, through the vision of Isha Kanu Moriba, whom she described as the pioneer of the initiative.
Jengo said WOFRAD was created to empower women and girls, combat sexual and gender-based violence, support adolescent girls, and strengthen the voice of women in society.
“We have nurtured many girls over the years, and today those who were once mentees have become mentors, continuing the cycle of empowerment,” she said.
She also paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Alimamy Joseph Turay for his influence on her leadership journey, recalling his belief that the university “does not train job seekers but job creators.” She noted that between 60 and 70 percent of WOFRAD staff are graduates of the University of Makeni.
Jengo highlighted that WOFRAD’s initial financial support came from the Justice and Peace Commission under Father Joe Turay, which helped implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following Sierra Leone’s civil war.
She added that the organisation later received support from ActionAid from 2012 and Trócaire between 2017 and 2018, along with other development partners over the years.
As part of the 20th anniversary activities, WOFRAD held thanksgiving services at the Tekor Road Mosque and the Cathedral Parish in Makeni. On 3 July, the organisation also hosted a fundraising dinner aimed at raising funds to construct its own office building to ensure long-term sustainability.
Jengo said establishing a permanent office would help secure WOFRAD’s future beyond its current leadership.
“Our desire is to build an institution that will continue serving women and girls even after I leave,” she said.
She acknowledged that WOFRAD continues to face challenges, particularly declining donor funding, noting that while some partners provide support, many withdraw over time, making it difficult to sustain and expand programmes.
Despite these constraints, she reaffirmed WOFRAD’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and creating opportunities for future generations.
