Hannah Kabba said she shy away from politics when she realized that she does not have the resources needed to be able to venture into it.
“I had longed developed the passion to venture into politics, but the lack of money has made it almost impossible for me to pursue that dream,” she added.
On the other hand, Jane Kargbo said she had the resources needed to venture into politics, butwas afraid of the insult and potential attacks on her private life. Kargbo said she had seen many instances where women are being abused, noting that she cannot stand that.
Director of Gender, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Charles Vandy have also shared similar views as that of Carter’s. Vandy opined that women can never succeed in politics if they are not financially capacitated. He revealed that the GEWE Bill that has got cabinet approval, seeks to address issues of finance for women who are into politics.
Commissioner, Youth Commission of Sierra Leone, Ngoolo Carter shared similar comments. He opined that women could only succeed in politics when they have the resources needed to be able to do so. He recommended that women who wished to venture into politics must, first of all, empower themselves financially, without which they may not be able to push their agenda forward.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Manti Tarawallie opined that gender mainstreaming is crucial for the survival of women in politics.
The Minister made this disclosure shortly after the Public Elections Bill was enacted.
The SLPP/New Direction/President Bio promised 30% quota for women in elective and appointive positions when he assumed office in 2018. To many, including the women, giving them 30% seems impossible, not until the said bill, which contains the 30% quota for women in elected and appointed positions was being enacted.
The Minister told me that the new Act will give 33% of the seats in parliament to women. She added that 33% came about as a result of consistent and effective gender mainstreaming efforts.
“We have seen the inclusion in the lands Bill and now also in the Public Elections Bill. Accordingly, in the Public Elections Bill, section 59 (2) allows for more women to enter Parliament as Parliamentarians through Proportional Representation Elections. This will give women, 33% of the seats in Parliament and that equates to 44 women and 88 men. This is excellent news and a giant step in the right direction,” she remarked.
Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Narsu Ndenema, stressed the need for more laws that will protect the rights of women and protect women who are into politics. She spoke highly of the CEDAW Convention, which, among other things will ensure some equality in our societies.
She recounted that before this time, women do not have right to vote in an election or own property, hence the need for a specific convention or acts of parliament that seeks to address the challenges which women are faced with.
Independent Member of Parliament, Constituency 001 Kailahun District, Emilia Lolloh Tongi, spoke highly against discrimination in the House of Parliament but noted that the trajectory is beginning to change.
She stressed the need for togetherness among female politicians in a bid to work for the good of the country.
She mentioned some of the developments she had brought to her constituency, including the building of a school, hospital, university scholarships, radio station, establishment of a bank, solar lights in 28 towns in the District, etc.
“No male MP can achieve all that I have achieved as an MP, but female,” she opined. She called for more support in order for the female MPs to retain their seats.
This story was put together with support from the Journalist for Human Rights (JHR) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
By Sulaiman Karim Sesay
