In commemoration of the ongoing one-month International Women’s Day celebrations, Caritas Freetown, supported by C.P.S, organized a one-day event on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at Masantigie Community, Western Area Rural. The event, attended by 30 participants from Masantigie and Matainkay communities, aimed to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role women play in society while promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from the Sierra Leone Police-Family Support Unit, Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Desert Flower Africa, Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WADO), C.P.S, and Caritas Freetown, gathered to emphasize the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and advocate for their rights.
During the event, statements were delivered by stakeholders, highlighting the significant contributions of women to society and stressing the need for their equal treatment and respect. Andrew Kponeh, the event facilitator, underscored the importance of women’s participation in society, noting the progress made in areas such as politics and decision-making, thanks to legislations like the Gender Empowerment and Development Act of 2022. He encouraged both women and men to work towards gender equality and support women’s empowerment initiatives.
Tobias Max Grosse, representing C.P.S, emphasized the ongoing gender inequalities and the collective responsibility to address them. He urged attendees to familiarize themselves with key provisions of relevant legislation, engage in discussions, and advocate for women’s rights.
Sallaymatu Koroma, from the Sierra Leone Police-Family Support Unit, encouraged women to speak up against issues of gender-based violence (SGBV) and empower themselves to seize opportunities available to them. Madam Doris Fatima Webber, Director of WADO, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that empowering women adds value not only to households but also to communities and the nation at large. She called attention to legislation like the Gender Empowerment and Development Act of 2022, which promotes women’s increased participation in politics and decision-making.
In conclusion, the event served as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about ongoing gender inequalities, and promote collective action towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country. Through collaboration and advocacy, stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
