By Nasratu Kargbo
The 50-50 Group Sierra Leone has expressed disappointment over the recently enacted Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act which the group says does not make it mandatory for a minimum 30% women representation in elective positions.
In a press release dated 17th February 2023, the group explained that the mandatory 30% commitment in the bill was focused on the private sector. “Neither the Parliament nor the Executive have been subjected to mandatory minimum 30% representation” a part of the release reads.
It said the Public Elections Act 2022 makes it mandatory that for every three nominees the third should be a woman, stating that nomination does not mean they will be elected. The women empowerment and right campaigning body suggested an urgent need for a clear law that mandates minimum 30% women in elective positions and to also have women placed at the top of party nomination lists.
“We are hopeful that in the not-too-distant future there will be revision of the act to ensure a mandatory requirement for all government actors as a sign of true commitment to women’s equal representation at all levels of decision making” the statement continued.
A speedy review of the constitution for the enshrinement of a 30% quota for women and also review of an aspect of the constitution that discriminates against women and girls were also mentioned.
The group encouraged all political parties to display the principle of gender equality by electing women in key decision-making positions in their political parties and also as candidates for the upcoming elections.
The GEWE Act has sparked up debate amongst Sierra Leoneans with women expressing disappointment over aspects that were removed in the proposed bill that was taken to parliament, such as the 30% safe seat for elective position.
Parliament of Sierra Leone enacted into law the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment bill in 2022, and it got Presidential assent in January this year.
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