By Nasratu Kargbo
She Stands 2023 Office of the District Coordinator in Kenema has in a press statement citing that women have been seriously bullied by male politicians in the two main political parties in Sierra Leone.
Giving its stance on the end of symbol nomination, the institution has in a Statement dated 29th April 2023 said “Most women members across the country were seriously bullied by the male political chauvinists in the APC and SLPP Parties through undemocratic, gender discriminatory treatment and corrupt methods used to ostracize them during the symbols award elections process”.
The release explained that the 30% threshold allocated for women in public offices stated in the Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act seems to be a far cry, explaining that the symbol screening process and awarding by delegates was marred with biases and marginalization against women that are competent and deserving to represent their people.
It further explained that the ‘awful’ outcomes of the screening and awarding committee elections of the two major parties, which according to the She Stands, represent the present and future circumstances, stating that it seems to pose a threat to the intent and purpose of the GEWE Act.
The statement said the organization’s expectations in the forthcoming elections regarding women’s participation in politics were high, but claimed the symbol elections committees of both SLPP and APC had almost wiped away all that hope.
The institution called on President Julius Maada Bio, the Diplomatic community, the media, and all Electoral Management Bodies (EMB) such as the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), and Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) to closely monitor the preparation of the election. “Watch closely and save Sierra Leone’s preparation to the polls from reneging on a recent law that has just been passed affirmatively which seeks to guarantee women with safe seats and other political appointments in all forms of representation” a part reads.
She Stands is a non-partisan gender and governance political programme of Stop It SL and partners, that seeks the interest of all female aspirants vying or standing for public offices during and after Sierra Leone’s 24th June elections.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (03/05/23)
