A three-day capacity-building training was conducted by Plan International Sierra Leone from Tuesday, 23rd to Thursday, 25th September 2025.
The aim of the training was to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools on gender-related issues within the ONS context. The training was organized for forty (40) personnel from the ONS, with daily sessions beginning at 09:00 am. Participants represented a cross-section from all ONS Directorates and Units, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Team Leads, Research Officers, and Support Staff, ensuring inclusivity and relevance across all levels of the ONS.
A three-day capacity-building training was conducted by Plan International Sierra Leone from Tuesday, 23rd to Thursday, 25th September 2025.
The aim of the training was to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools on gender-related issues within the ONS context. The training was organized for forty (40) personnel from the ONS, with daily sessions beginning at 09:00 am. Participants represented a cross-section from all ONS Directorates and Units, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Team Leads, Research Officers, and Support Staff, ensuring inclusivity and relevance across all levels of the ONS.
The training centered on Basic Gender Training, Safeguarding, and Child Protection, all geared towards understanding gender roles and mainstreaming gender at all levels of governance.
The learning session was officially opened by Dr. Ahmed Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator (DNS Coord.), on behalf of the National Security Coordinator (NS Coord.). In his opening remarks, Dr. Sannoh admonished staff that the ONS has so far prioritized capacity building for its staff, and such kinds of programs are geared towards enhancing a high caliber of staff within the ONS. He continued by thanking Muniratu Issifu, Country Director of Plan International Sierra Leone, for her immense collaboration with the leadership of the Security Sector, noting that this kind of training will not only be limited to the ONS but will cut across other sister Security Sector institutions in the country.
He emphasized the benefits of understanding and practicing gender mainstreaming within the office and in our respective homes, stating, “As security practitioners, it is befitting for us all to be abreast with issues of equality and equity in our daily life dealings.”
Days one and two of the training were facilitated by Umu Betty Kpange, a Gender Equality and Inclusion Specialist at Plan International Sierra Leone.
Day One: Understanding Gender and Leadership
On day one of the training, the key takeaway was “Understanding Gender and Leadership,” with in-depth insights on the following subtopics:
- What is Gender
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes
- Gender and Power Dynamics
- Gender in the Security Sector
- Gender Risks in Security
- Building Inclusive Leadership
Throughout the session, participants experienced a well-coordinated, interesting, and educative participation by the Gender Affairs Directorate at the ONS, the Human Resources Directorate, and Umu Betty Kpange from Plan International, with the aim of enhancing staff awareness, promoting inclusive practices by all staff, and understanding gender mainstreaming.
Day Two: Applying Gender in Security Work
On day two of the training, the entire session was further facilitated by Umu Betty Kpange, with vital capacity-building and in-depth knowledge on “Applying Gender in Security Work,” covering the following subtopics:
- Gender Mainstreaming in Security
- Case Study Analysis on Gender Mainstreaming in Security
- Working with Communities
- Gender Risk Mitigation
- Inclusive Decision-Making
- Action Planning
Day Three: Safeguarding, Child Protection, and Counselling
On the final day of the training, the session was facilitated by Mr. George Koroma, a Safeguarding and Child Protection Specialist at Plan International Sierra Leone, making the training more interesting as participants had the opportunity to witness how the NS Coord., together with Plan International Sierra Leone, prioritizes gender mainstreaming by making it a must for us to learn from both male and female tutors from a globally respected institution like Plan International.
Mr. Koroma’s focus was on participants gaining a clear insight into "Safeguarding, Child Protection, and Counselling," with the following subtopics:
- Introduction to Safeguarding
- Child Protection Basics
- Counselling Skills for Security Personnel
- Safeguarding in Emergencies
- Consolidated Action Plan
From the start of the session, participants were amazed by the presence and participatory influence of the Chief of Staff (CoS) at ONS, Mr. Francis Langumba Keili, whose insightful contributions were greatly appreciated by both participants and the team from Plan International Sierra Leone.
Mr. Keili, drawing from his extensive experience, provided practical examples and real-world applications that clarified complex concepts, making them easily understandable by all, and helping participants gain a deeper understanding while fostering engaging dialogue throughout day three.
End.
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