International Women's Day 2022

The Ramatu Foundation had a fantastic day this past International Women's Day through an in-person event for 150 people in Makeni, Sierra Leone, paired with fundraising at Sancton Wood School, UK.

Hosted by the University of Ernest Bai Koroma in Makeni, the Ramatu Foundation hosted a day of activities for women and girls in the local community based on this year's IWD theme #breakthebias. Over 150 people girls attended from four different schools, alongside their teachers.

The programme included a host of speakers and workshops:

Speakers:

Veronica Kadiatu Hallowel - professional journalist (Sierra Leone) who acted as chairperson for the day Ramatu Karim Sesay - Director and Co-Founder of the Ramatu Foundation (Sierra Leone)

Paulina Adama Sesay - CFN Vice-President (Sierra Leone)

Umu Alima Kargo - Team Leader of the Ramatu Foundation (Sierra Leone)

Anastasia Maseychik - Co-Founder (UK)

Workshops:

• 'How to promote gender equality in Sierra Leone' - led by Ramatu Karim Sesay

• 'How do we break the bias against women?' - led by Anastasia Maseychik

• Candle parade - organised by the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs in support of IWD2022

• Sing-along for the whole auditorium

• A celebratory meal was also provided for all attendees at the end of the programme

This was paired with Sancton Wood School's International Women's Day celebration and fundraiser for the Ramatu Foundation. Children of the school were invited to dress up for the day as a woman they admire, or with clothing (t-shirts, badges) featuring a woman they admire. Each child donated £2 for this non-school uniform day which will go directly to supporting Foundation-supported girls with their education.

We are truly thankful to our speakers, Sancton Wood School and the University of Ernest Bai Koroma for their support - let's keep breaking the bias together!