Our Mission
Promote the safety, dignity, and autonomy of women and girls by addressing sexual and gender-based violence
Our History
Allies in Development was established in December 2020 in response to rising violence against women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sierra Leone, lockdown measures, economic hardship, and school closures led to a sharp rise in intimate partner violence and sexual abuse of girls
However, violence against women and girls is not new. During Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war (1991–2002), more than 200,000 women and girls were subjected to sexual violence. This legacy of violence has persisted, deeply rooted in cultural, social, and institutional systems that continue to fail survivors
Allies in Development supports survivors and works with communities, government, and civil society to build a safer, more equitable future for women and girls in Sierra Leone
Our Board of Trustees
At Allies in Development, we prioritize the representation of women and girls at every level of our organization. Our Board of Trustees is the primary oversight and decision-making body. Our Board is made up entirely of women and girls who bring both professional expertise, passion and lived experience with violence in Sierra Leone.
This grounds our work in the lived realities of survivors, ensuring our programs reflect needs, values and contributions of survivors.
From top left to bottom right: Mrs. Mariam Alexcia Kamara, Ms Harilyn Sia Brima, Ms. Claris Esther Kanu, Mrs. Isatu Bah Kamara, Ms. Theresa Nyatima Sheku, Ms. Esther Kamara, Ms. Georgiana Thompson, and Mrs. Massa Kamara
OUR TEAM
Over 90% of our staff are women. We are committed to fostering an environment where women work in solidarity with survivors. We strive to create a safe, supportive space where survivors feel empowered to share their experiences and begin their healing journey. Our approach is grounded in feminist principles, centering women’s empowerment and gender equality in all that we do.
Miatta Paula Thomas
Executive Director
Massah Mary Kanu
Director of Programmes
Mamoud Bah
Legal Advisor and Communications Specialist
Rita Massaquoi
Executive Assistant
Gloria Theresa Conteh
Administration and Finance Officer
Adama Sesay
Human Resource ManagerOUR VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers are the pillars of the organization. We have a wide pool of volunteers who support in program implementation. Our volunteers live in the communities they work and ensure access to the women and girls we serve
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Are you looking for ways to build your volunteer experience?
We are inviting women and children’s rights enthusiasts to get in touch. No matter where you are located, we have multiple forms of engagement
