By Nasratu Kargbo
Highlighting strides to improve the mining sector, President Julius Maada Bio has committed to boost women’s participation in what is considered as a male dominated sector.
Bio made this commitment on the 6th August 2024 during the State Opening of the second session of the Sixth parliament.
“Over the coming year, we will enhance revenue generation, review legislative instruments, support artisanal and small-scale mining, protect mining-affected communities, and employ advanced technology to combat illegal mining and boost women's participation in the sector,” he said.
He also spoke about plans to ensure compliance with international Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices, whilst local mining communities are now benefitting from significant payments, including surface rent and Community Development Agreement (CDA) funds.
Speaking on the blue economy, President Bio promised to develop commercial aquaculture systems, increase fish production, and create more jobs for women and youth in rural areas.
Bio explained that in the fishing sector, they have exceeded revenue targets, curbed illegal fishing, protected fish stocks, and improved export certification. He further explained that the fish harbour investment is critical for the country’s economy that could generate billions of Leones, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate related investments.
“We assure responsible ecosystem monitoring and evaluation. Our Medium-Term Plans include making the harbour a centre of excellence for marine education and a duty-free trade zone for exporters and importers,” he promised.
The President called on all Sierra Leoneans to work together in order to drive the country forward: “Your dedication, collaboration and commitment to the principles of good governance are vital. Together, we can build a Sierra Leone where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where justice and equality are not mere ideals but lived realities, and where peace and prosperity are the defining features of our national identity”.
In an interview with Politico, Esther Kandeh, Executive Director, Women in Mining and Extractive (WOME) said the commitment by the President to promote women’s participation in the mining sector brings hope not only to mining rights advocates like her but to the women of Sierra Leone, saying that this has been their advocacy for a very long time now. “Women suffer the brunt of mining activities both at national and at community levels and as such, their participation in the governance structure of the sector is important. Let’s start with 30 percent women’s representation at the board level of the NMA (National Minerals Agency) and 30 percent at all community structures,” she said.
With this, she said better decisions on women’s welfare can be taken because they themselves will be at the table where the agreements and decisions are made.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (12/08/24)
