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There Is A Role For Everyone In This Journey
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Empowering Gender and Climate Action

GCAN Sierra Leone champions inclusive climate action, focusing on gender equality and empowering marginalized voices in sustainable development across communities.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to advance climate action by integrating gender equity into climate policies, programs, and community-driven initiatives. We empower women as leaders, innovators, and change-makers to ensure that gender-sensitive solutions are at the heart of climate policy and action.

A green future where gender equality and climate resilience go hand in hand, guaranteeing that all hands are on deck in the fight against climate change, while promoting resilience to climate vulnerabilities and active participation of women in sustainable climate solutions, contributing to Sierra Leone’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the 2015 Paris agreement.

Our Vision

Our Approach

Empowering communities through gender-inclusive climate initiatives for sustainable development and resilience.

Community Engagement

We work directly with local communities to identify climate challenges and co-create solutions that are inclusive and sustainable.

Capacity Building

Training and resources for young professionals and marginalized women to lead impactful climate initiatives in Sierra Leone.

Addressing gender inequalities in climate action to create equitable solutions for all community members.

Gender Equality Advocacy

Empowering Communities

Inclusive climate action through gender equality and community engagement.

A group of people outdoors holding a protest sign with messages about climate change. The sign is green with white text and some black handwritten notes. The weather appears clear, and some trees without leaves are visible in the background.
A group of people outdoors holding a protest sign with messages about climate change. The sign is green with white text and some black handwritten notes. The weather appears clear, and some trees without leaves are visible in the background.
Youth Engagement

Mobilizing young professionals for sustainable climate initiatives.

A group of protesters on a city street hold signs with messages about climate change. The central figure carries a megaphone and a sign that reads 'The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it!' Surrounding buildings loom over the crowd, and other demonstrators carry signs with slogans related to environmental action.
A group of protesters on a city street hold signs with messages about climate change. The central figure carries a megaphone and a sign that reads 'The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it!' Surrounding buildings loom over the crowd, and other demonstrators carry signs with slogans related to environmental action.
Gender Equality

Addressing gender gaps in climate action and decision-making.

A large group of people is gathered outdoors in a city setting, holding various signs protesting about climate change. The crowd includes diverse individuals, some wearing colorful hats and sunglasses. Trees and buildings are visible in the background, indicating an urban environment.
A large group of people is gathered outdoors in a city setting, holding various signs protesting about climate change. The crowd includes diverse individuals, some wearing colorful hats and sunglasses. Trees and buildings are visible in the background, indicating an urban environment.
A large group of people are gathered in front of a monumental sculpture. Many individuals are holding banners with messages about climate change. Some people have climbed onto the statue, which features a lion and seated figures. The crowd appears engaged and energetic, as some capture the moment with their phones.
A large group of people are gathered in front of a monumental sculpture. Many individuals are holding banners with messages about climate change. Some people have climbed onto the statue, which features a lion and seated figures. The crowd appears engaged and energetic, as some capture the moment with their phones.
Community Outreach

Extending our impact to rural districts and marginalized groups.

Collaboration

We collaborate and partner with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and Learning & Research Institutions to initiate and implement ideas and projects on climate change.

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Our Team

Behind every success at GCAN is a team of dedicated and talented individuals. While each member brings their unique skills and perspectives, we are united by a collaborative spirit and a shared goal: to empowering communities through gender-inclusive climate initiatives for sustainable development and resilience. Meet the people who make it all happen.

A large sign with bold, black and white text that reads 'Change the Politics Not the Climate' is affixed to a lattice-like, textured wall. The background has a dark, industrial feel.
A large sign with bold, black and white text that reads 'Change the Politics Not the Climate' is affixed to a lattice-like, textured wall. The background has a dark, industrial feel.
A large sign with bold, black and white text that reads 'Change the Politics Not the Climate' is affixed to a lattice-like, textured wall. The background has a dark, industrial feel.
A large sign with bold, black and white text that reads 'Change the Politics Not the Climate' is affixed to a lattice-like, textured wall. The background has a dark, industrial feel.

Makalay Sesay is the Founding Director of Gender Climate Action Network (GCAN) Sierra Leone. In this role, she collaborates with grassroots and frontline women leaders, policymakers, and diverse organizations to advance gender-inclusive climate solutions.

Holding a certificate in Project Management and Leadership for NGOs & Development Organizations, Makalay ensures the structured implementation of climate and gender programs. Her visionary approach integrates gender-responsive climate action, extensive financial expertise, and strong leadership to drive systemic change. As a US TechWomen Alumna, Makalay has gained global exposure in leadership and innovation, demonstrated by her cohort's successful seed-grant project in the Grafton Community, which deployed accessible safe water facilities. Through GCAN SL, Makalay is deeply committed to empowering women and marginalized communities in the fight against climate change, aligning initiatives with Sierra Leone’s GEWE Act 2022 and NDCs. Her ability to blend finance, project management, policy, and advocacy enables GCAN SL to influence systemic change and create sustainable, equitable climate solutions. Her impactful work has been recognized with awards such as Top 100 Professionals (2020, 2021), the National Corporate Women’s Awards 2022, and Sierra Leone’s Corporate Excellence Awards 2024.

Makalay Sesay

Founding Director, GCAN SL

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Inclusive climate action for all genders and communities.

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