By Mabinty M. Kamara
In an effort to celebrate the gains made in increasing the number of female representation in governance across all sectors, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio is set to celebrate with all the women in elected and appointive positions after the just concluded general elections.
Speaking at the ceremony to sign a partnership agreement between the Office of the First Lady and a continental women’s advocacy group held at State House last Friday, the First Lady said when it comes to celebrating the successes and achievements of women and girls, there should be no political barrier.
“I have not had the opportunity yet because I am waiting for my APC sisters to come to parliament so that I will have the opportunity to have both the APC, the SLPP women, and the Ministers for us to come together as women of this country and celebrate not just because President Bio has delivered on his promise but we now know that this is the norm whichever president comes, after President Bio, we know that 30% is the least you have to give to the women of this country,” she said, adding that “And I know there is no political barrier in that. We will come together and let the men know that we know exactly what we are doing and we are very intentional and because we are intentional about it, we are going to make them accountable for it.”
The first Lady said that her first plan for 2022 is to partner with the Young African Women Congress Network because it is an opportunity to give the Sierra Leone Chapter members, who are mostly young female lawyers, the opportunity to maximize their potential as women. She added that the conference has a huge economic benefit and investment opportunities for the country.
“If you look at the tourism potentials, for the five days that they will be here, they will be eating our foods, they will be in our hotels, whatever they do it is on them,” she said, adding that she is not responsible for the upkeep of the delegates but that they will be investing in the country’s economy.
In addition, she said the conference is a platform to showcase the president’s 30 gender quota move and celebrate those women.
“Sierra Leone is honoured to host this significant event, which aligns with its commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and Sustainable Development,” she emphasized.
Presenting the Young African Women Congress Network, the Sierra Leone Chapter President Michaela Kargbo said the group is an embodiment of African women across the continent and in the diaspora that seeks to be empowered to become change-makers in their communities. She said the group is headquartered in Accra Ghana and has empowered over a thousand women through the annual convocation which is set to be held for the first time in Sierra Leone from the 20th to the 21st of November this year.
In his statement, the Executive Chairperson of the global Network Daniel Osei Tutfuor noted that Sierra Leone is one of the most peaceful countries in the continent and narrated his experience of great hospitality, love, and beautiful sceneries since his arrival in the country.
He said the Conference will no doubt attract investment opportunities for Sierra Leone as they will be bringing in corporate partners to interface with state officials at a cocktail event designed to be part of the conference. “There is going to be an opportunity to enhance the investment potentials of Sierra Leone,” he said.
He said despite the name Young African Women, the Network is open to all women, saying that being young or old is a state of mind.
He applauded the First Lady for her strives in empowering and championing the cause of women and girls across the country.
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