Forum Syd strengthens Liberian civil society

Under our programme Sustainable ownership: empowering communities and civil society in Liberia Forum Syd invited eleven civil society organisations in Gbarnga, Bong County, for a training on gender sensitivity, fundraising, leadership and governance oversight.

Supporting and building the capacity of civil society is an essential element of Forum Syd’s drive to ensure the development of sound policies, strategies, and efficient structures. A foundation of a strong democracy is a even stronger civil society that is transparent, accountable and sustainable.

The training was facilitated by the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L).

Thirty-one persons, including fifteen women, from Bomi, Bong and Grand Gedeh Counties attended the training. Over 95% of the board members who attended the training said this was the first time that they have been invited to a training that focuses on strengthening their capacities to function in their respective roles. 

Stronger capacity is the key to build resilience

The training was a response to the findings of a organisational assessment Forum Syd conducted in April and May this year of the invited CSOs. The study showed that there was a need of support, strategic directions and indicated that this was a major risk across the CSOs, which is undermining their abilities to maximise their potentials to realise their goals.

By this training, Forum Syd has planted a seed that we can assure you will yield good results and the benefit of our respective institutions.

Said Felicia Duncan, the Executive Director of South Eastern Women Development Association (SEWODA), who spoke on behalf of the participants at the close of the training.

At the close of the training, the board members who represented the various CSOs developed a roadmap that would be used to ensure that their boards are very vibrant and contribute to the missions and their visions.