The Student Union Government (SUG) of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (FBC, USL), and United Nations (UN) has on Monday 7th March 2022, hosted a panel discussion on this year’s International Womens’ Day with the theme “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow “International Women’s Day. According to the Chairman of the panel discussions who also doubled as the Director of Academic, Careers Advisor, and Counseling, (DACAC) at the USL, Dr. Fatmata Taqi the day grew out of the labor movement to become an annual event recognized by the UN. She said also intimated that this day was universally accepted 47 years ago when the UN started celebrating this day on March 8th every year.
In her statement, the President of FBC Students Union Government, Adama Sillah, said the discussions were deliberate, adding that it is obvious that they want the world to be biased free and equal freedom. She stated that no to all forms of discrimination in the society, saying “no to existing biases, suppression and now is a time to enhance gender equality to actualize a better tomorrow, as the first female SU President, it took 194 years to actualize this dream, and as the first of the many to come and not the last, she says “from the union we push to national politics” she said.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor FBC, Professor Lawrence Kamara, highlighted some of the challenges and gains by women as they celebrate this day. Professor Kamara emphasized that society must have equal rights and equal opportunities to help the nation in decision-making. He highlighted the contribution of women in the developmental agenda, pointing out that the female elected as Student Union president for the first time in the history of FBC in which he says women play a part in the long-term sustainable development goal. He said education and equal opportunity for women is the development of all.
Giving the keynote address, the Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Sierra Leone Dr. Babatude A. Ahonsi, said that the context of the theme of this year’s international women’s day in Sierra Leone is one of the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, noting that the theme for this year celebration focuses on the equality of women and girls “Sexual violence increases, many women don’t have a say in decision making, and in education, the country has a long way to go. Saying all stakeholders including students have a role to play” UN Resident Coordinator added.
He said women of Sierra Leone account for 52% of the total population in Sierra Leone, stating that it occupies less than 20 percent of elected positions. , “Their voice, visibility, participation, and representation in elective and appointment positions remain very low compared to men.”
Dr. Babatude Ahonsi mentioned that some of these challenges include lack of economic independence, high illiteracy, entrenched customs and traditions, and the lack of confidence to vie for a public position which has affected them greatly. He reiterated that if Sierra Leone develops, it should increase landmarks to promote gender equality and recommend that the “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill” is seen as central and a key foundation for reducing poverty unless there is progress in those areas or we’ll fail to achieve environmental sustainability. He called on stakeholders to put their hands on deck by shifting and sharing power and promoting gender equality in all decision-making.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Elezebeth Turay lamented the environmental issues affecting women, emphasizing that the theme for this year is timely and called colleagues to work as a team for women to have a say in all facets of institutions.
Haja Marie Kandeh, President of Business Women Association, complained that their struggling to access information relating to marketing is very difficult, are faced with issues of perception by most women in what she refers to as “traditional set up disturbing most women having the mindset” She called on the international institutions and the Government to embark more on civic educational training in the country.
BY JOSEPH K. MBOYA
