By Nasratu Kargbo
Member of Parliament (MP) Catherine Zainab Tarawally has expressed fear over the slow pace of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill (GEWE) that has been before parliament for quite some time now.
Speaking at the Women’s Conference held at Sierra Bay Hotel in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March 2022, the MP suggested that Sierra Leonean women request the speedy processing of the bill.
Tarawally explained at the conference organized by Women in the Media in Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) that if women do not join forces to make sure the bill becomes law this year, there is a possibility it may not be passed.
Explaining the reason for her statement, the MP said when the election is around the corner, it is very difficult to hold sittings in parliament. “All of us will go down again to fight for our symbols, so we will not sit in the Well to argue for the bill,” she said. She added that parliament closes two months before the election, and therefore their efforts should start now.
She then made a plea to women: “I am asking you before it’s too late, ask us for your bill, or in the next few months there will be no bill”.
She said the bill has gone through the first reading, and that it is time for women and girls to come together and ask MPs about their efforts so far, since the bill was laid in parliament last year, for enactment.
She noted that women have not been supportive in ensuring that the bill is actualized and highlighted that only a few women have been attending meetings in that respect. The MP called on women to promote, support, and aid the growth of their fellow women.
Another MP, Josephine Makieu expressed similar views and said time was not in their favour and that failure to have the bill enacted will deprive them of the solicited percentage quota for women representation in the house, saying women will then be bullied again.
Makieu stated that there are capable women but many cannot stand the intimidation, struggles, and problems. She shared her experience during the campaign period for the last election during which she was called names but noted that developing thick skin as a woman is one way of ignoring critics and aiming for the top. She called on all women to be confident and assertive in all they do, as they can do what men can.
The MP advised that women engage Parliament and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, so they can see the desire in women for more representation in strategic and decision-making positions. She emphasized that if women do not make use of this opportunity and enact the bill this year, they will have themselves to blame.
A representative from the 50/50 Group, Ayesha J. Kamara commended the government for including women in the development planning of the country. She stated that different governments have not been able to create an impact because they have not been including the larger women population in their planning. She stated that without women achieving development would be difficult.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (09/03/22)
