This Training Manual for Community Women in Sierra Leone aims to strengthen community women's engagement and ability to influence national and community-level security decisions. Based on training workshops organised jointly by DCAF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs (MSWGCA) in different regions of Sierra Leone, it is an essential resource for those working to promote community women's participation in security sector governance in Sierra Leone and West Africa.

The training manual seeks to build understanding at the community level about the concepts of gender and security sector reform and governance; and to encourage community actors - especially community women - to participate more actively in peace and security discussions and decision-making in their communities.

The training manual is designed for trainers supporting, organising and implementing training activities on gender and security issues. It includes practical guidance and exercises as well as example session outlines and handout materials. We encourage those actors working on women, peace and security in Sierra Leone to use this manual. The training manual and its content may also be adapted for other geographical contexts.

Please contact DCAF for further information.