Since November 2002 I have worked with a variety of women's groups and networks in Sierra Leone on a series of projects supported by the British Council and National Democratic Institute to improve women's leadership skills.

Throughout the history of conflict in Sierra Leone women have born a disproportionate burden of suffering and misery and yet they have seldom been involved in the decision making processes that lead to conflicts or the cessation of conflict.

The British Council and NDI in Sierra Leone have supported a number of initiatives to encourage women's participation in decision making and build the capacity of women leaders. My input has included:

• Developing the YoWLS (Young Women Leaders network). I devised and delivered a training of trainers programme in leadership skills for over thirty young women. These women have formed a series of YoWLS groups and have gone on to run workshops across Freetown in leadership and women's human rights.
• Facilitating a strategic planning process for the 50:50 campaign for equality between women and men in public life. Helping draft strategic plan for 50:50 and advising on funding applications.
• Facilitating training sessions during 50:50's two day training workshops for candidates for the 2004 local council elections.
• Facilitating strategic planning workshops for the Parliamentary Women's Caucus.
• Facilitating a workshop for women police officers to identify barriers to women leaders in the police force and identify strategies to overcome these.