GESI promising practice: Sierra Leone Women Empowered for Leadership and Development (WELD)

This document highlights a promising practice in integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) to empower women and advance their socio-economic and political leadership in Sierra Leone. Funded by USAID from 2014 to 2019, the Women Empowered for Leadership and Development (WELD) project aimed to increase women’s social, political, and economic rights. Using World Vision’s Savings for Transformation (S4T) approach, the project worked to overcome social and cultural barriers to women’s civic engagement and economic advancement. Collaborating with multi-sectoral partners and the Sierra Leone government, WELD promoted gender-sensitive planning and mobilized women-led civil society organizations. It involved women, including those with disabilities, at the city, district, and national levels, and was implemented by a consortium led by World Vision Sierra Leone, along with Action Aid International Sierra Leone, Advocacy Movement Network, and Network Movement for Justice and Development. Evidence suggests that the project successfully empowered women and promoted their equal and inclusive participation in social, political, and economic spheres.