By Nasratu Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s First Female Independent Member of Parliament, Emilia Lolloh Tongi of Constituency 001in Kailahun District has called on women to overcome any form of intimidation or stereotyping based on their gender, which she said could hinder their progress.
In an interview with Politico on the 7th of March 2023, she encouraged women to pursue their goals, asserting that they should not be afraid as there are now laws that protect them from being intimidated and that likely offenders could now face punishment.
Tongi said that girls and women should not weep or feel depressed when called names because of their gender or aspirations in life but rather focus on what they do in order for them to achieve greatness like their male counterparts and contribute to the development of the country.
On whether she did not feel intimidated when she first got to parliament, the MP explained that before she came to parliament she went through a training that is usually organized by the NGO SEND Sierra Leone for aspiring politicians, to enhance their public speaking ability. She was quick to note that she was never frightened to face a crowd, adding that in her former job, she used to attend seminars that required her to speak up.
Tongi said she has a full grasp of the subject to speak about because of the background studies she does.
“So when I get up to speak it is because I have done my research, so it flows. I am not intimidated”, the MP stated.
Explaining the relevance of women being in higher places, Tongi said “When a woman promises to do something, she goes the extra mile to ensure that she fulfills her promise, we are afraid not to be treated negatively just because we could not deliver our promise".
She stressed that women contribute immensely to the development of the nation and should strive to excel in whatever they do. She, however, noted the developmental activities and initiatives she has taken in the communities of her constituency such as scholarship opportunities for university students, construction of health centres, electricity, improvement of market structures, and the establishment of a banking institution to ensure savings among others.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (13/03/23)
