CGG and Partners Launches Network of Female Councillors
By Mohamed Konneh
Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) and partners with support from Trocaire through Irish aid on Thursday 31st October 2024 launched the Network of Female Councillors Sierra Leone.
The launch was held at the New Brookfields Hotel, Kingharman Road in Freetown bringing together councillors from across the country, including CSOs and government officials.
In her opening, remarks CGG Executive Director, Marcella Samba Sesay said the launch will promote gender equality, and good governance in Sierra Leone.
She thanked the partners, including the donors and most particularly the Ministry of Gender for gracing the occasion.
Councillor Salamatu Koroma from Jui in her welcome remarks said the network will promote gender equality, adding that the network will be geared towards sharing experiences, knowledge, and learning from each other.
Giving the purpose of the launched CGG programme, Manager, Sahr Kendema said before this time, President Julius Maada Bio had launched the female network of ministers.
“We took upon ourselves and decide to have a group of female councillors because they are within their communities and they deal with development activities at that level. This is the more reason for this launch’” he said.
Professor Fredline M'comock Hail of 50/50 in her statement thanked the female councillors, noting that councilors are the foot soldiers at the local level.
“You are here today because of the trust your people have in you and the reason you are here. Women have the power in their hands, and the launch today is to amplify that power. This network will help amplify your voices, and it will only by coming together will make this happen,” she said.
Professor M’comock called on councilors to work together, irrespective of party or where they are coming from.
The Country Director of Trocaire, George Were making his statement said the network is critical for women not only in Sierra Leone but Africa as a whole.
Mr. Were said the establishment of the network is a testament of Trocaire’s commitment in empowering women, adding that the space created will support women while thanking the Ministries of Gender and the Ministry of Local Government for supporting the initiative.
“We hope that after the launched the action of empowering women will continue. Women councillors may not have all the requisite skills but can learn from one another. As women, you can succeed if you continue to share your experience and continue to learn,” he said.
The Trocaire Country Director called on other donors to join in empowering women.
Caroll Hannon, the Head of Development for Irish Embassy in Sierra Leone in her statement said Sierra Leone has set the example in empowering women and that Ireland recognises the role played by women in development.
She said Ireland support women's rights and that this is something they will continue to do.
She thanked the partners for this initiative and that the network of female councilors is a great opportunity to work together in bringing development to their communities.
Caroll called on the councilors to also work with the network of female parliamentarians most especially on the child right act and other instruments that deals with women.
She talk about the Feed Salone program noting that the Feed Salone is about women and the more reason why women should contribute to it.
The Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi began by thanking the CSOs, women's group and councilors for the work done so far.
She thanked Irish aid and Trocaire for the support to Sierra Leone over the years.
Dr. Mahoi paid tribute to Dr. Bernadette Lahai for taking her through the NEWMAP that started since the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabba.
“I'm a minister but I continue to learn and this network is about enhancing our capability and skills. We have to prove to the world that we as women can do it. The network can help us work on cross party issues and initiatives,” the Minister said.
The Minister noted that women have to go back in helping their communities.
“This is my initiative but let me thanked CGG for helping drive this initiative. We need collaborative effort to achieve goals we set and this is exactly what CGG has done, the Minister noted.
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina making the key note address said the network is a grand breaking network and its a new beginning to give strength to women at the local level.
He said in this era of good governance women must be seen at the forefront.
“This network brings knowledge, and it will help you to share notes. Councilors represents people and this makes you very important. As Councillors you will face criticism and other issues but you have to stand strong,” he said.
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs called on the councilors to their voice louder, and to also mobilize their people.
“If there is no council, central government will have problem. You also have to work with your male counterparts to enhance your work, the Minister said.
He said the Ministry is working on regulations that will allow thirty percent women in council committees and this is something we are working on.
