Reading the statement to journalists in Freetown yesterday 6th December, 2017, Dr. Fatu Taqi, President 50/50 Sierra Leone said the women of Sierra Leone were concerned that President Ernest Koroma has reneged on his promise and parliament is about to dissolve without the bill being enacted for the minimum 30% quota for women’s participation and inclusion in politics.
Dr. Taqi went on to say ever since the president came into office, he has promised on numerous occasions to commit to the minimum 30% quota representation to ensure that women’s voices are heard at the highest levels of decision making and that their needs are addressed.
She said as the country moves towards the 2018 elections and as the President is about to leave office, the aspirations of women for this election have been dampened.
She said they acknowledge the positive strides that the President has made in supporting educational achievements for girls and the appointment of female ministers of government and other formal positions. However, the doctor noted, they are disappointed that the President’s good will does not extend to fundamental changes in the law that will undo women’s historic marginalisation from governance.
The 50/50 president urged that President Koroma takes all necessary steps to make good on his promise before he leaves office on the 6th March 2018.
