Women’s Forum Awards Sierra Leone’s CIO
By Mohamed Konneh
Women’s Forum Sierra Leone during their 5th Annual National Prestigious Awards and Fund Raising Dinner, awarded the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh.
Hon. Alusine Kanneh is the first CIO to receive this prestigious award from the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone (WFSL) with the theme: "Making the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act Works for a Better Sierra Leone.
Women’s Forum Sierra Leone (WFSL) is a national women’s umbrella organization established in response to the need for a channel through which women’s organization could share information, advocate and lobby for policy change and mobilize to take collective action on issues pertaining to their welfare and status.
In response to receiving the award, Hon. Alusine Kanneh said that he was deeply humbled and honored to have received such an award, adding that the award means a lot to him to be recognized for his hard work and dedication to work and country.
"I will continue to strive for excellence in all that I do, and use this recognition as a motivation to accomplish even more. I am beyond grateful for this award, even if it means I will have to find a bigger hat to hold all the compliments,’’ Hon. Alusine Kanneh said.
He thanked Women's Forum for awarding him, something he cherished like a real gem.
Making her keynote address before presenting the awards, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio thanked the organizers of the event while alluding to the supports she continue to receive from different women's organizations in the fight against rape.
The First Lady pointed out that the fight no longer permits anyone to go about abusing women and girls because they are afraid of the stringent laws put in place. She added that sin the launch of the 'Hands off Our Girls' campaign by the President there is now a sexual offensive modern court that deals with sexual offensive matters.
She further said that the most difficult and challenging part for them starts from now, whether by nature or otherwise as women they have their internal and social demons which they must respect.
The First Lady also noted that their career pursuit is often scratched with customs and traditions, cultural extension from access to resources and now the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act make it very tough for people.
Speaking before the award the National President for the Women's Forum Sierra Leone, Sally Ndimawa Adams, hailed the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio for championing women and girls issues, disclosing that Women's Forum Sierra Leone has over three hundred women's organizations across the country.
Sally Adams said, this year's celebration focused on Gender Empowerment and National Development.
She noted that the GEWE Act is a plus for all Sierra Leoneans because it was a very challenging moment but encouraged all women organizations.
She stated institutions and individuals who have contributed towards women and girls’ empowerment must be recognized and appreciated.
