By Nasratu Kargbo
Undertones, verbal reactions and facial expressions indicating disapproval filled the atmosphere in the well of Parliament yesterday as discussions around reserved seats for women were brought on the floor for debate.
This got the Member of Parliament representing constituency 029 in Kono, Rebecca Yei Kamara frustrated over the way her male colleagues in Parliament have handled the issue of the safe seats for women. She stated that they will no longer beg the men for what is rightfully theirs.
The MP made this statement whilst debating on the bill entitled the Public Elections Act 2022, on the 21st of June 2022, which proposes among other things for 30 percent quota of the seats in parliament be reserved for women.
The MP stated that for far too long they have been begging their male counterparts to support them but they’ve not being supportive. She noted that the men’s composure always changes when issues concerning the promotion of women are brought before parliament.
“Safe seat is not a taboo,” said the MP; and complained of being made slaves of their own right and that as women, they will no longer beg or cajole them. She explained that whenever they approach the men, they bash at them and make them look vulnerable, stating that most of the men grow angry, and bitter whenever the issue of safe seats is discussed.
Speaking emotionally, Kamara explained women are partners in the growth and development of the nation, noting that the nation cannot develop if women are not considered in taking leadership positions in the country.
She said that men always ask women for their support in everything they do, adding that women are vital in running the affairs of the home smoothly.
Kamara called on the male MPs not to be hateful and bitter when women's issues are raised. She said if they do not support safe seats for women, they should do so, with respect and bring up meaningful suggestions about alternatives.
Deputy Leader for Government Business, Bashiru Silikie said there’s no need for safe seat and believed women should contest.
He explained that before now women have been asking for fifty/fifty and advocating that they want to work side by side with the men.The MP said the women should instead be encouraged to contest. “Women should not be begging us for favour but should compete with us”, he said.
Representing constituency 100 Dickson Momoh Rogers stated that he supports women, but does not believe that reserved seats will work.
He proposed that just like the chiefs, they should have one woman per district and if they are voted in, they automatically become MPs. He stated that will best way the issue of reserved seats van be handled.
The MP suggested that if Proportional Representation is introduced, every political party should present one female candidate per district to contest the election. He stated that no male MP in parliament is ready to sacrifice his seat in parliament, and wasn’t sure the house will accept that either.
Hindolo Gevao of constituency 003 highlighted that section 74 of the 1991 constitution speaks on the composition of parliament, and noted that having a thirty percent safe seat contravenes the constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.
Some MPs made loud drumming of their desks accompanied by facial expressions that implied that most of them are not in support of the idea of safe seats for women.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (22/06/22)
