Uhuru Watch
Sierra Leone Decides 2023: 30% In The Shadows
On the 19th of January, 2023, Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio enacted a legislative bill that mandates a minimum of 30 per cent female representation in parliament, as well as comparable quotas in other establishments such as the government, local councils, the diplomatic corps, and the civil service.
As tweeted by the incumbent President, presently vying for reelection in June, the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act endeavours to safeguard against the subversion, diminishment, intimidation, or humiliation of women who aspire to hold public office and those who endorse their candidature.
In light of the current circumstances surrounding women's involvement in politics, it is worth noting that a mere 18 out of the 146 seats in parliament are occupied by women, and a mere four women are represented in Bio's 32-member cabinet. To ask where all the women candidates for the upcoming June elections are is not entirely without merit.
As previously stated, the recently enacted legislation pertains to the parliamentary body, mandating that 30 per cent of the 146 available seats be filled by female representatives. A minimum of 43 female representatives must secure parliamentary positions after the upcoming elections. Nevertheless, a cursory search on the internet would unveil the full extent of the implementation of this legislation.
To The Polls
As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections in June, it is noteworthy that only a scant two to three female candidates out of the purported thirty or more women who are projected to vie for parliamentary positions have achieved any measure of political visibility.
Once more, the public is curious as to the whereabouts of the female populace actively engaging in the tacit revolution aimed at obtaining recognition and guaranteeing that women are not marginalised in the upcoming electoral proceedings. We can't help but ask why a sizable portion of female candidates have been denied insignia in Sierra Leone, although more than half of the registered voters are female.
When one takes into account the notable decrease in the number of female contenders vying for both local and national political positions, it prompts contemplation of the underlying causes for this unfavourable pattern and what measures ought to be taken to enhance the political representation of women.
In democratic societies, it is imperative that the composition of the legislature accurately reflects the demographic makeup of the state. The status of gender parity serves as a fundamental reflection of societal values. In a plethora of African nations, Sierra Leone included, the female demographic accounts for a majority exceeding fifty per cent of the populace.
Despite the implementation of affirmative action as a crucial mechanism for instigating and preserving a specific quota of female representation within local councils and the national parliament, the observable outcomes have been rather limited. This implies that the execution procedure necessitates greater rigour.
Party Politics
It is imperative that the commission responsible for overseeing and managing the activities of political parties, which encompasses the establishment of benchmarks for internal democratic processes, transparency, and inclusivity, takes appropriate measures. They must establish criteria that encompass meticulous gender deliberations in the framework and functioning of political organisations.
The proposed measures encompass the implementation of equitable distribution of party nominations for women candidates, the establishment of campaign financing regulations that cater to financially disadvantaged candidates, and the cultivation of a more comprehensive party pledge to endorse female aspirants.
We have to acknowledge the significant impact that civil society entities, such as non-governmental organisations, volunteer associations, and women's rights groups, can have in promoting the political representation of women. Male leaders who advocate for this cause can also play a crucial role in this endeavour. The aforementioned entities possess the capability to proficiently amplify the vocalisations and visibility of female candidates, particularly at the local level, and guarantee a more comprehensive societal cognizance.
The significance of their function extends beyond its immediate scope, as it pertains to the advancement of women's literacy and civic education, the induction of young female aspirants into local political networks and public discourse arenas, and the facilitation of social movements aimed at addressing the underlying cultural norms that impede women's political participation.
Screen Time
The media bears a considerable responsibility in acknowledging the equitable worth and esteem of both genders and in providing comprehensive education to the populace regarding the rights and responsibilities of women within the social framework. Should local and national media entities fulfil their responsibilities, they possess the capacity to dismantle unfavourable stereotypes, erect a favourable public persona, disseminate impartial and optimistic narratives, and allocate broadcasting time and editorial real estate for female candidates and their endeavours. This would ensure the perpetuation of this matter on the national radar for change
The crux of the matter pertains to the realm of social equity and impartiality - the equitable availability of resources, the upholding of dignity and reverence in the political sphere, which a society must insist upon and its leaders must exemplify, and a climate of inclusivity for heterogeneity and variation, are among the rudimentary values and tenets that will stimulate and allure a greater number of women to vie for electoral positions.
The Sierra Leonean Association of Women In Journalism (SLAWIJ) conducted a recent study that scrutinised the incidence of intimidation directed towards women who pursue political or public positions. The research findings have brought to light a disconcerting truth regarding the challenges women face in their pursuit of exercising their inherent rights.
During an interview with ManoReporters, Millicent Kargbo, the executive president of SLAWIJ, articulated concerns regarding the reluctance of numerous Sierra Leonean Women to participate in political and social activities.
According to her, their inability to engage in social activities stems from their apprehension and uncertainty regarding the potential consequences.
In another interview with SLAWIJ, Olufemi Claudius-Cole discussed her experiences with violence both online and offline. She said "I believe democracy is being able to express yourself and entertain others views. But some of them come out nasty. They want to tell you something that really hurts you."
Although there have been notable acknowledgements of women's contributions on a national scale in Sierra Leone, particularly with regard to their emergence in leadership positions, it is regrettable that the Northern region of the country has yet to witness such progress.
Haja Bintu Mansari, a distinguished figure in the Koinadugu district of Kabala, known for her two tenures as a councillor, has articulated her perspective on the involvement of women in leadership positions.
"When councils came back in 2004, there were no women in this district council. For me, that was a very big slap on our faces."
Haja Bintu proceeded to serve two consecutive terms spanning from 2008 to 2018, following which she vied for the position of council chairperson, albeit unsuccessfully.
"Here, up till now, they have not yet accepted women. I always say we are still tied by our traditions."
During an interview with Kabala's Radio Bintumani, journalist Margaret Misor Mansary expounded upon the notion that women continue to harbour trepidation when it comes to public speaking, let alone pursuing political nominations.
"You can't imagine. You have a woman as your panellist here for one hour, and then somebody calls and throws some words at her. Our traditional leaders are seeing women as people who should always stay behind. They should be at the back, not in front. And when men are talking, women should not talk. And that when it comes to decision making, women should not talk, (but) need to give men the chance to speak on behalf of us."
Nonetheless, a glimmer of optimism arises from Margaret's assertion that their role entails accentuating the accomplishments of women occupying decision-making roles, thereby augmenting the recognition of their leadership aptitude and fostering greater confidence in women throughout the nation.
It is noteworthy to mention that Sierra Leone currently exhibits one of the most minimal degrees of gender parity on a global scale. As per the United Nations' 2020 Gender Development Index, it stood at the 182nd position out of a total of 189 countries.
We keep our fingers crossed and await the outcome of the next elections, despite the lack of sufficient data to suggest that women's involvement in leadership positions at the federal and state levels will increase.