Hajaratu Bangura: Championing Environmental and Gender Advocacy in Sierra Leone

Hajaratu Bangura, a 24-year-old youth advocate and environmentalist from Sierra Leone, is making waves in community activism through her involvement in the She Leads project. Her advocacy journey began with the Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA) project, where she first developed an interest in gender equality and environmental sustainability. Recalling her introduction to She Leads, Hajaratu credits country coordinator Auntie Awa for bringing her on board.  

“At first, I had little knowledge about the She Leads project, but as I became more involved, I realized its immense potential in empowering young people and eradicating harmful gender norms,” she shares. 

Through She Leads, Bangura has actively participated in national and Pan-African advocacy efforts, playing a crucial role in organizing and evaluating the She Leads annual leadership conference for girls. Her contributions ensured that youth voices were not just heard but also integral to shaping key discussions. 

Bangura’s commitment to leadership and policy advocacy has also seen her champion legislative changes, particularly in the push for the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment bill, which calls for a 30% quota for women’s representation in all sectors.  

“Ensuring that women have a seat at the table is not just a policy goal—it is a necessity for national development,” she asserts. 

Beyond gender representation, Hajaratu has actively campaigned for workplace rights, including maternity leave protections for women facing discrimination. Her advocacy extends to education, where she has worked towards the implementation of the safer school policy for pregnant girls.  

“No girl should be denied education because of pregnancy. Education is a right, and we must create a system that accommodates all young girls, regardless of their circumstances,” she emphasizes. 

Passionate about sustainability, Hajaratu co-founded a waste management and recycling organization alongside four other young advocates to address improper waste disposal in rural Sierra Leone. Recognizing the environmental crisis facing many communities, she has led initiatives focused on waste reduction and environmental education.  

“We cannot talk about sustainable development without addressing environmental challenges. Our communities must be at the forefront of change,” she explains. 

Her environmental work gained international recognition when she won a $5,000 grant from the Plan International Youth Challenge Fund, which helped expand her waste reduction projects. Her impact was further amplified when she represented Sierra Leone at COP28, a global climate summit where she voiced the environmental concerns of her community. 

Future Plans and Sustainability 

Looking ahead, Hajaratu is committed to ensuring the longevity of her advocacy work. She is spearheading the formation of a national coalition dedicated to continued activism beyond the She Leads project.  

“We are working on an organizational structure that will guide our advocacy efforts for years to come,” she says. 

She also envisions the expansion of environmental awareness programs, including soft school sections dedicated to teaching young students about sustainability. Additionally, she remains steadfast in advocating for the full implementation of the safer school policy for pregnant girls. 

“Change is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. We must keep pushing,” she declares. 

Through her work, Hajaratu Bangura exemplifies the power of youth-led activism in driving social and environmental change in Sierra Leone. Her journey, fuelled by determination and passion, is a testament to the impact of programs like She Leads in empowering young leaders to create a better future. 

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