By Alpha Abu
Representatives of women’s groups have held a National Public Dialogue on a project that addresses women’s active participation in decision- making at local level that would capacitate them and improve their lot. Search for Common Ground in collaboration with Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) and 50/50 Group organised the event that took place at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on Wednesday 24th November 2021.
Integral to the dialogue was the assessment of a Women-led post –election project titled: “Women Unite! Strengthening women-led social cohesion, and accountability, in post-election Sierra Leone”. Parliamentarians and officials from Local Councils and Civil Society groups also deliberated on Gender Budgeting with focus on five district councils namely Kambia, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Kono and Kenema.
Participants at the dialogue noted the significant increase in budgetary allocations in four districts with Kenema District Council topping the list, followed by Port Loko and Kono District Councils. It was also reported that overall, gender budget allocations increased from 1.21 percent in 2018 to 29.33percent, a dramatic rise.
Discussions centered on the need to have women sit on deliberations at council level during preparation of budgets so they could make meaningful inputs that will reflect the needs of women in the various communities.
The women and other participants spoke on various issues such as inclusion of marginalised groups in decision-making processes, peace and social cohesion, gender empowerment, budget tracking and accountability and public financial management.
A review of the project indicated faith-based engagements undertaken by the women in their communities that have increased their capacity in social cohesion and peace-building outreaches. It was also noted that women have been capacitated to identify early warning signs and how they can take leadership in providing early response mechanisms. Women Councillors were also trained on basic Public Finance Management and accountability issues under the project.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland in Sierra Leone, Claire Buckley in his statement reassured the gathering of the Irish Government’s support to women-led initiatives in Sierra Leone. She praised the women for their enthusiasm over the project.
Dr. Fau Taqi from 50/50 Group spoke about the important role women play in the women’s peace platform and in enhancing social cohesion.
Kambia district council Chief Administrator, Dr. Edward Alpha spoke of the interaction of the council with local women leaders, during his presentation on Budget Tracking and Accountability.
Search for Common Ground’s Acting Country Director, Alpha Kamara congratulated the women for their cooperation which has led to the improvement of their capacity. He expressed gratitude to the Irish government for providing the necessary funds for the project.
Kambia district woman councillor Hawa Dumbuya praised the Kambia Council’s Chief Administrator for his accommodating relationship with the political leaders in the council. She said as women they would continue to try to break barriers, though she acknowledged the challenges involved because of traditional issues. She thanked Search for Common Ground and partners and also Ireland for supporting the women.
Copyright © Politico Online 26/11/21
