By Sorie Ibrahim Fofana
Members of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) have expressed their appreciation over what they say is President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.
An open letter from the female media practitioners dated 4th August 2023 addressed to the President stated that the development is clearly manifested in the appointments of twenty female ministers and deputy ministers as well as the opportunity given forty-one women to serve as parliamentarians, all of which they say ‘’is indeed a step in the right direction ‘’
They however called on President Bio to ensure that the 30% quota for women is also reflected in other critical public offices and institutions.
According to WIMSAL, the government should take proactive measures to ensure that women’s representation is not limited only to numerical quotas but also extends to ‘’decision-making’’ roles. They said it is essential to empower and promote capable women to leadership positions in the Civil Service, Government Boards, Committees and Commissions, Security Sector, and Foreign Service.
It was also stated that when creating opportunities for training the 30% is consistently applied and reflected. “Encouraging gender diversity in all spheres of public service will contribute to a more holistic and equitable society,’’ the letter states.
The letter also asserted that women entrepreneurs and business owners deserve equal access to financial services and credit facilities, and for government financial institutions to enforce equal access and right to finance across all financial institutions as this will empower women to seize economic opportunities and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
To this end, WIMSAL respectfully requested that the Office of the President, through other relevant ministries, actively ‘’monitors’’ and ‘’audits’’ responsible institutions’ compliance with gender quality policies, as they will guarantee the gains achieved so far are sustained and built upon for more a prosperous future.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (09/08/23)
