KWG

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‎In recent time we've seen videos promoting FGM circulating on social media. But for us, the conversation around Bondo, Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), social norms and the protection of girls and women requires courage, evidence, community dialogue, and a willingness to listen to voices that are often left unheard.
‎The Koinadugu District Women’s Network (KDWN) continues to create spaces for women, girls, parents, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and duty bearers to discuss these issues openly and constructively.
‎As part of strengthening this work, KDWN participated in a training conducted by UNFPA through Happy kids on FGM and Social Norms. The training provided valuable understanding of how social norms influence individual and community behaviour, and how practices can continue even when some individuals privately question or disagree with them.
‎This brings us to the important concept of pluralistic ignorance.
‎Pluralistic ignorance occurs when people privately hold concerns or different views about a practice but remain silent because they believe that “everyone else supports it.” As a result, a practice may continue not necessarily because everyone genuinely agrees with it, but because people fear social rejection, stigma, criticism or being seen as disrespectful to their culture.
‎This is an important lens through which we need to understand conversations around Bondo and FGM in Sierra Leone.
‎Silence should not automatically be interpreted as consent.
‎Through community engagement, awareness raising, women’s empowerment and dialogue, KDWN is committed to helping communities create safe spaces where people can ask questions, express concerns, listen to one another and make informed decisions.
‎Our approach is not about disrespecting culture or attacking communities. It is about supporting informed, inclusive and rights-based conversations that place the dignity, safety, health and wellbeing of women and girls at the centre.
‎We must move from:
‎“Everyone supports it.”
‎to
‎“Everyone has the right to speak, question, listen and participate in shaping the future of our communities.”
‎The training on FGM and Social Norms conducted by UNFPA through Happy kids has further strengthened KDWN’s understanding and capacity to engage communities on these complex issues.
‎Together, we can challenge harmful social norms, break the silence created by pluralistic ignorance, amplify the voices of women and girls, and support communities to become agents of positive and sustainable change.
‎KDWN believes that transformation begins when people are given the knowledge, confidence and safe space to speak.
‎Koinadugu District Women’s Network Amplifying Women’s Voices, Transforming Communities.
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Koinadugu District Women’s Network (KDWN) was pleased to participate in the five-day Training on Social Norms and Change, organized by UNFPA Sierra Leone from 3–7 August 2026 in Freetown.

The training strengthened our understanding of how social and gender norms shape behaviour, and equipped us with practical approaches to engage communities, challenge harmful practices and promote positive change.

KDWN will apply and share the knowledge gained to strengthen our work with women, girls, families and communities, particularly in advancing gender equality and contributing to the elimination of FGM and other harmful practices.

We appreciate UNFPA Sierra Leone and the organizers for this valuable learning opportunity.

Together, we can inspire positive norms and build safer, stronger communities.

Congratulations to Hon. Hawa Conteh and Mrs. Fatmata B. Turay on your well-deserved recognition among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone! 🎉👏🏾

This prestigious recognition is a reflection of your dedication, leadership, resilience, and outstanding contributions to the development of women and communities in koinadugu and Falaba District.

Your immense contributions to the growth and advancement of the Koinadugu District Women’s Network (KDWN) have left an indelible mark. You have inspired countless women and girls and demonstrated that when women lead, communities thrive.

On behalf of KDWN, we celebrate you both and thank you for your continued commitment, service, and leadership. Koinadugu is proud of you💕

May this recognition inspire you to reach even greater heights and continue creating opportunities and positive change for women and girls.

Congratulations, Hon. Hawa Conteh and Mrs. Fatmata B. Turay our outstanding women and champions of Koinadugu and Falaba District Women's Networks🌟🏆

In our quiet corner 😢
Come to think of it, there is a worrying disparity in the way women and men age. Women often appear to age faster than men, particularly because of the physical, emotional and social pressures associated with pregnancy, childbirth, child-rearing and the many responsibilities women carry throughout their lives.

Yet, despite all these sacrifices, some men reach a point where they feel they can simply walk away from a marriage, sometimes even seeking divorce through local courts in circumstances where the matter may not properly fall within the jurisdiction of those courts.

This raises a much bigger question: What happens to the years a woman has invested in that marriage? What happens to the youth, opportunities, energy and dreams she may have sacrificed while building a family?

You may be able to end a marriage, but can you give a woman back the years she spent nurturing the home, raising children and supporting her husband?

The one big question remains: Can you give us back our youth?

Women deserve respect, fairness, protection and justice not only when they are young and full of possibilities, but throughout every stage of their lives.

With UNFPA Sierra Leone – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Koinadugu District Women's Network (KDWN) was privileged to participate in the inception workshop and evaluation meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for the five-year project titled "Enhancing Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation through Innovative Financing for Integrated Climate Resilience in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts."

The two-day workshop brought together key partners and stakeholders to align on the project's goals, validate the work plan, and strengthen commitments to environmental and social safeguards, including gender inclusion.

As an organization championing gender equality and climate justice, KDWN welcomes this timely initiative. Women in Koinadugu largely depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, and this project presents a significant opportunity to equip them with climate-smart agricultural skills. These skills will strengthen their resilience, help them recover from climate-related losses, improve food security, and enhance sustainable livelihoods.

We look forward to working with all partners to ensure that women and girls are at the heart of climate resilience and sustainable development in Koinadugu and Falaba.

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Misor Koroma, Kadiatu Conteh

As part of the Female Empowerment and Opportunities for Women in Extreme Vulnerability in Sierra Leone project, a successful two-day Basic Training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Well-being, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood Skills was held by Koinadugu District Women's Network (KDWN) with the support of Medicos del Mundo.

Held at Radio Bintumani Hall on 22–23 June 2026, the training brought together women in extreme vulnerability to strengthen their knowledge, build practical skills, and enhance their confidence to make informed decisions, protect their rights, and improve their livelihoods.

The sessions provided participants with valuable tools to address gender-based violence, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, prioritize mental well-being, and explore entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities.

We sincerely thank Medicos del Mundo for their invaluable support and all the participants for their active engagement and commitment. Together, we continue to empower women, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities for a more inclusive and resilient Sierra Leone.

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Abdul Rahman Tejan

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

We at KDWN were honored to be invited to witness the launch of the FGM Survivors Advocacy Network Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom in Falaba District. Thank you to Happy Kids and Adolescents for inviting us and for your continued leadership in this vital work.
KDWN is proud to have helped form this network, and we remain committed to supporting survivors and advancing the project’s goals. Together we will amplify survivors’ voices, promote healing, and work toward an end to FGM in our communities.