By: Saidu Jalloh
At a stakeholder meeting held at the Family Kingdom Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, addressed a gathering of personalities and organizations dedicated to promoting jobs for women in the informal economy.
The event, organized by the Informal Workers Organization (IWO), aimed to explore ways to create decent work and job opportunities for women in Sierra Leone, where women make up over 51 percent of the total population.
Dr. Isata Mahoi emphasized the importance of establishing an enabling environment for women’s participation in both formal and informal employment. While women play a pivotal role in contributing to the country’s economic development, their efforts often go unaccounted for in the calculation of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Formal employment opportunities for women remain limited, making it challenging for them to secure employment. Consequently, a majority of women find themselves engaged in the informal economy, participating in activities such as farming, small businesses, hospitality, and caregiving.
The Minister highlighted a series of critical issues that need to be addressed to empower women in the informal economy, including the necessity of signed contract letters with clearly defined terms of engagement, ensuring payment for the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), and promoting an environment where women are treated with dignity and empathy.
Dr. Isata Mahoi referred to the Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. She pointed out that the Government of Sierra Leone has adopted and enacted robust policies and legislation related to gender, employment, and education. In particular, she cited Part III of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022, which demands that designated public and private employers have at least 30 percent of women in their employment. The Act also calls for at least 30 percent representation of women in decision-making positions at all levels within organizations.
The Minister also highlighted the Act’s provisions related to prohibiting discrimination against women in employment, protecting against dismissal due to pregnancy, and preventing sexual harassment. Additionally, the Act mandates paid maternity leave of at least 14 weeks for women, equal remuneration for individuals with equal skills and competence, and equal opportunities for training, education, and scholarships for all employees.
Furthermore, the Employment Act of 2023 incorporates gender-responsive provisions, addressing issues such as violence and harassment at work, the prohibition of forced labor, non-discrimination in employment, and equal remuneration, among others.
Dr. Isata Mahoi assured the audience that the Government had taken significant steps to create an enabling environment through policy and legal reforms. She emphasized the need to examine the implementation of these reforms, particularly for women in the informal employment sector.
In closing, the Minister expressed her commitment to improving the working environment in Sierra Leone, especially for women engaged in domestic work. Her address was met with appreciation from the attendees, who recognized the importance of empowering women in the informal economy.