The Parliament of Sierra Leone, alongside esteemed partners including Westminster Foundation for Democracy, UN Women, PetroJetty, World Vision, Plan International, and Orange Sierra Leone, came together on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerating Action: Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Civic Engagement for Inclusive Governance.”
During the event, key figures like the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, and the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Female Caucus, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura, highlighted the significance of addressing women’s issues and promoting gender equality through legislative support and impactful actions.
The commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment was further emphasized by representatives from various organizations such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, NaCCED, and the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Josephine Gauld. Discussions revolved around the importance of women’s participation in politics, decision-making processes, and the continuous efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Development partners like Plan International, Orange Sierra Leone, UN Women, and World Vision shared their initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, supporting women in the workforce, and addressing challenges such as sexual harassment. The conversations underscored the collective dedication to advancing gender equality in Sierra Leone through collaboration, policy implementation, and community engagement.
Parallel discussions on economic growth and the expectations from female MPs highlighted key issues and challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone, setting the stage for informed responses at the local level. The event culminated with a powerful keynote address by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, advocating for an end to violence against women, the empowerment of women, and the protection of women’s rights through legislative measures.
The program, expertly moderated by the Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Sheku Lamin Turay, encapsulated the essence of celebrating International Women’s Day by championing women’s empowerment and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society in Sierra Leone.