By Alpha Abu
Women across the country have hailed President Julius Maada Bio following his symbolic assent to the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Act, an event in Freetown that was witnessed by the Vice President,the first lady,women activists and western diplomats.
President of the 50/50 Group, Haja Alimatu Abdulai told Politico that they were delighted at the development but said they would want to see a ‘’meticulous implementation’’ of the contents of the law.
She said fighting for women’s rights is an ongoing process and praised President Bio,gender-based groups and other stakeholders in the ensuring the bill becomes law.
At a well- attended ceremony in the new Foreign Service Academy various women speakers shared their thoughts on the new law which marked the end of drawn-out public and parliamentary debate on an issue that was from the onset handled with a bit of trepidation, caution, patience and resolve by women activists.
A representative of Southern Region Women’s Network,Gertrude Karimu described President Bio as a true gender and women empowerment champion, saying women have been marginalised for far too long.
Her Northern Region counterpart, Isatu Smith spoke of the political and social marginalisation of women over the years, citing the gender-imbalance as deep-rooted. She said women must now have to play their part in enhancing the new law.
Augusta James Teima from the All Political Parties Women’s Association in her lively remarks said as women ‘’they will never forget President Bio in a hurry and that the law will nurture women for leadership positions.
Fatmata Sourie representing an organisation of women legal practitioners or LAWYERS said it is a laudable and meaningful achievement, whilst Sally Adams of the Women’s Forum said it is a ground-breaking law.
UN Women’s Setcheme Mongbo said with the passing of the GEWE Act, Sierra Leone now leads her English-speaking counterparts in West Africa by providing the minimum 30% quota for women in both elective and appointive positions in the public sector.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Manty Tarawalli who was praised by the various speakers for her efforts towards enactment of the law, spoke of 13 months of ‘’consistency of efforts and sheer doggedness’’ to get the work done. She praised President Bio for what she said was his tireless efforts in making sure the law was passed. She also paid tribute to the Parliamentary Gender Committee, the female caucus in the House, and other contributors in making the Act come into existence following thorough and nationwide consultations.
“The change we want to see as women is here and is real’’, the minister affirmed.
First Lady Fatima Bio in her statement said the president believes in women being given their rightful place and that Sierra Leone deserves a new dawn.
Ambassador of Ireland, Claire Buckley said the new law was a demonstration of the true and genuine commitment by President Bio and his government in championing women’s rights.
President Bio in his reaction said: ‘’For so long we (men) have not been fair and on behalf of menfolk of this country, I want to apologise’’.
He said women’s rights are human rights and that it was time to close the gender gap now.
He said the Act was timely and proposes the full inclusion of women in every facet of society and believes women can realise their full potentials when they live safe and productive lives. He said the Act will change gender norms forever.“Freedom has come’’,President Bio stated.
At exactly 14: 14 GMT President Bio flanked by women campaigners appended his signature to the new law, asserting his presidential assent.
The GEWE Act was passed by Parliament on the 15th November 2022.
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