How Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Is Transforming Freetown Through Trees and Hope

At Bios, we celebrate champions of a greener planet. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the inspiring Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, embodies this spirit. Her story shows how one person can create meaningful change and inspire others to take action.

 

A Heart Rooted in Home and a Passion for Change

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s journey is a story of transformation. For over 25 years, she built a successful career in finance. But her heart always stayed with Sierra Leone, her homeland.

Long before becoming Mayor, Aki-Sawyerr worked to make Sierra Leon a better place. She campaigned against the “blood diamond” trade and co-founded the Sierra Leone War Trust in 1999 to support vulnerable youth. Her dedication deepened during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak when she led critical planning efforts at the National Ebola Response Centre. For her service, she received an OBE. 

In 2017, a tragedy struck Freetown when a massive landslide claimed over 1,141 lives. Caused by heavy rains and deforestation from rapid development, this disaster deeply affected Aki-Sawyerr. It became a turning point, compelling her to act.

 

Planting Seeds of Hope in Freetown

When Aki-Sawyerr took office in May 2018, she quickly focused on Freetown’s environmental challenges. Understanding the urgency of sustainability, she launched the #FreetownTheTreeTown campaign in 2020. This initiative was about more than planting trees it aimed to empower people.

Through the “tree steward” program, local residents actively cared for trees and mangroves. In return, they earned income through tokens traded on private and carbon markets. This approach not only made Freetown greener but also gave the community a sense of ownership. Re-elected for a second term in February 2023, Aki-Sawyerr continues to build on this remarkable progress.

 

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Women

The #FreetownTheTreeTown campaign aimed to plant one million trees by 2022. While it didn’t reach that goal, over 600,000 seedlings were planted, with an impressive survival rate of over 80%. The campaign gained international recognition. It was a finalist for the Earthshot Prize. Aki-Sawyerr also appeared on Time100 Next and the BBC 100 Women lists. She even shared her insights at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). 

But Aki-Sawyerr’s impact goes far beyond planting trees. Her election as mayor broke barriers in a country with high gender inequality. Her success inspires young girls in Sierra Leone. Seeing a woman in a leadership role gives them hope and shows them they can achieve their dreams too.

 

Empowering the Next Generation

In January 2022, Aki-Sawyerr launched the YAS Girls Leadership Foundation. This foundation supports young girls as they face challenges and pursue their ambitions. Her work is not just transforming Freetown; it’s empowering a new generation of female leaders. 

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s story reminds us of other inspiring women, like Wangari Maathai, who risked her life for reforestation. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which planted millions of trees and inspired environmental change.

 

Have you heard of Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s incredible story? We would love to hear from you in the Comments section below!

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