September 26, 2017 By Victoria Saffa
Aspiring 30 female aspirants from various political parties at the event
With funds from Christian Aid, the Social Enterprise Development (SEND) -Sierra Leone has empowered thirty (30) women in Kailahun district, who are aspiring to become Members of Parliament and Councilors in the March 7, 2018 multitier elections.
At a meeting held in the SEND’s conference room,Kailahun town, in the presence of paramount chiefs, political party representatives, and the 30 female aspirants from various political parties, President of the Kailahun Women in Governance Network (KWiGN), Lucy F. Gondor, said the purpose of the meeting was to inform various stakeholders that more women in the district have vested interest in contesting the 2018 multitier elections.
“With support from SEND Sierra Leone, the network wants to increase women’s participation in decision- making positions -from twelve councilors to eighteen and from two Members of Parliament to eight. As we speak, 30 aspirants from various political parties have expressed interest,” she stated.
Madam Gondor hastened to say that the women are not going into politics to contest with their male counter-parts, but rather asking for a chance to take the mantle of leadership in order to ensure development for their unborn children in the district.
SEND Sierra Leone’s Program Officer, Mohamed Jalloh, said they came up with two projects -‘Power to Women’ and ‘In their Life Time’, aimed at protecting and promoting women’s participation in the district, adding that both projects have been extended to nine months.
He said SEND has been promoting good governance for women in society and has been working in districts including Kenema, Kono and Kailahun in a bid to see more female participation in governance.
Gender Officer, Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) in Kenema and Kailahun districts, Kadiatu Ruth Thomas, said the commission is gender- friendly, which is why it has been supporting the All Political Parties Women Association (APPWA) in promoting women in politics.
“Giving political power to women will lower men’s stress and the corruption rate will be reduced drastically,” she said.
Chairperson for Civil Society Coalition, Mohamed Kabba, stated that they have requested 40% representation of women from all political parties, adding that women are accountable, trustworthy and caring.
Representing traditional authorities in the district, Chief Ishmail Foday, called political parties to award symbols to women in winning areas and across the country.