By Nasratu Kargbo
Representing constituency 008 Kailahun district, Bernadette Wuyatta Songa during debate on the Public Elections Act 2022 stated that the bill will make way for over forty women representatives in parliament.
She said the country’s political history cannot be told without mentioning women and explained how in her hometown, not until 2018, were they able to have a woman in leadership.
She stated that the bill intends to accelerate women’s growth.
“For decades we have been crying as women, we want to be recognized, we want to lead, we want to be seen, and now we have the perfect opportunity to be heard”, said Songa. She also called for the 30% quota.
The MP explained that women have been sacrificing and doing what men want, and called on women to be selfish this time to ensure that the aspect of the bill that deals with the 30% seat becomes law. Songa emphasized that if they do not get it right now, they might never get it right.
She mentioned African countries that have women in strategic positions and how they have contributed to the growth of their countries.
Parliamentary Leader of Government Business from Constituency 019 Mathew Sahr Nyuma called on women to fight and protest for their rights.
“Women demonstrate for your rights, fight for it,” said Nyuma. Showing strong emotion, the MP emphasized that women have been disadvantaged for far too long and therefore called on them to fight for their rights, noting that there should be radical reforms.
He said it is a “righteous fight” that the women are on their hands and asked all those who wanted to help women to do, instead of “taking them to the street to fight for things that are not right”, saying “this is the time to demonstrate”.
He encouraged women to forget about their political interests and support women’s calls in order to achieve safe seats.
Nyuma noted that the government has made strides and policies to help facilitate women’s growth, making reference to different sectors that have included women’s empowerment. He said there are going to be radical reforms and sees the minimum 30% seat for women in the Public Elections Bill as a way of empowering women.
The Leader of the Opposition Chernor Maju Bah of constituency 126 affirmed his continued support for women but stated it should be within the ambit of the law.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone presently has a total of 19 female members of parliament out of a total of 146 members, two of whom are paramount chief members and the other 17 ordinary MPs out of 132.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (22/07/22)
