Political Affairs Ministry to honour 100 women
June 24, 2015 By Alusine Sesay
As part of African Public Service Day celebrations, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Political and Public Affairs has lined up series of activities, including delivery of a public speech, TV panel discussion, press conference, and the award of certificates to 100 outstanding women who have contributed immensely to national development, specifically in the area of women’s empowerment.
The delivery of the public speech by the Political Affairs Minister was done yesterday, 23 June, while a TV panel discussion will take place today on the public broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Also, a press conference will be held on Thursday, while the certification ceremony will take place on Friday, 26 June.
According to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Israel B.K. Jigba, the award of certificates would not be limited to women in the public service but also others outside the public service that have played key role in both national and international development.
He described the day as important as public servants are recognised for the role they play in national and international development, and that the day gives them the momentum to serve the nation.
He added that the day also provides the opportunity to reflect on their successes and challenges as it is a joyous day for public servants across the African continent.
A United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/277 gave birth to the Public Service Day celebration which is scheduled for 23 June every year.
The resolution encourages member states to organise special events on the day to highlight the contribution of the public service in the development process.
The African Public Service Day was adopted by the Pan African Ministers for Public Affairs in Tangiers, Morocco in 1994, with the decision subsequently adopted by the African Union policy making organs.
The commemoration of the day takes place at both continental and national levels. The continental celebration is done biennially while the national celebrations take place every year.
The day has been continentally celebrated four times in Namibia, Tanzania and Ghana respectively.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “The role of Public Service in women’s empowerment, innovation and accessible service delivery”.
The rationale for this year’s theme is premised on the state of public service in African Union Member States and the declaration of AU Heads of State declaring 2015 as the year of women’s empowerment and development towards African Agenda 2063.