By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, hosted a cross-party discussion with parliamentarians and civil society stakeholders to assess the impact of the Tripartite Report Recommendations and ongoing constitutional reforms on women’s rights.
The event was attended by over 20 female Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC), as well as several male MPs who are champions for women’s rights.
The discussion focused on progressive reforms recently signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio. These include the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, the Sexual Offences Act, and the Land Rights Act. These reforms have contributed to greater female political participation, a reduction in maternal mortality rates, and improved educational outcomes for girls.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of respecting Sierra Leone’s cultural values while removing legislative and infrastructural barriers that hinder women from reaching their full potential. He underscored the need for a balanced approach that fosters women’s empowerment while preserving cultural identity.
Participants collectively agreed that the Constitution is central to securing these gains and ensuring the protection of women’s rights moving forward.
The Deputy Minister of Justice provided an update on the ongoing reforms addressing women’s issues, while a representative from a civil society organization presented a position paper advocating for continued progress on women’s rights. The event was supported by International IDEA, and attendees expressed a unified commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.
The discussion showcased the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises of good governance and advancing gender equality. As Dr. Sengeh stated, “Governance is about these engagements. We will #StickToThePlan because together, #WeAreDelivering!”
