SLLC Women Coordinator, Gladys Brown in her statement extended her appreciation to all women in the world especially the women of substance in Sierra Leone. She applauded all the women that had worked incessant for the inclusive of women participation in political, social and economic development in the country.
She further stated that gone are the days when women are only good for domestic work, she affirmed that women are facing so much challenges in different sector ‘’ our goal for this celebration is to build our capacity to take charge’’ she stated that women need to infiltrate in men dominated areas, she mention that women are lacking the basic necessity because the government was not utilizing the tax payer money the way it should be.’’ If they use our money the correct way women would not lack behind’’ she landed
She furthered encouraged women to vote wisely in the forthcoming election
Dennis Wright, Acting President of SLLC said women should celebrated their selves ‘’ it not about politics or social event but also women need direction and they should think the direction they want to go’’ he said. He went on and said whatsoever women demand for if only they fight and focus they would achieved it.
He furthered promised that the leadership of SLLC would support the women of Sierra Leone in every area. He added that that the tax payments are very high and the way investor are treating the ordinary Sierra Leonean should be questioned, he advised.
National Revenue Authority, representative Samuel Fullah said that their responsibility is to collect tax, he said that the process they can only reach to their expectations, with the cooperation of the people of Sierra Leone. He further explained that NRA is not responsible for waver but the government ‘’ we are there to implement government policies and laws ‘’ Fullah made it clear. He added that NRA collects 80 percent on what government spent on salaries and development. He furthered pleaded to sierra Leonean to pay their taxes if they want the government to do more. ’’ Am calling on sierra Leoneans to request for GST receipt, whenever they buy goods in shop”.
Foday Bassie Swarray, representing Actionaid congratulated all the women in Sierra Leone, he described women as unique creature created by God, he stated that women had been asking for 30 percent inclusion in every sectors in the society, ‘’ but yet women are still facing challenges and Actionaid believe in equality’’ Bassie stated. He added that being a woman supposed to be an opportunity and if women are given the chance they will made a great different in every societal sector. Keynote Speaker Fatmata Claire Carlton Hanciles, Executive Director Legal Aid Board extended her appreciation to SLLC and its partners for joining the world to commemorate this important day, she said United Nation spare set this day aside for women to have time for themselves.
She challenged that men could not do anything without women, she also gave biblical example about Adam and Even in the bible she said women are caregivers they over work themselves to make sure thing are done the right ways. Fatmata furthered encouraged the women that were part of the celebration to be a role models to their children and advice them to be in their best behaviour when the children are around.
She confirmed that the issue of domestic violence and child crime was on the increase.
Women that were present during the celebration extended their gratitude to labour congress and the United Nation for this special day.
