A one-day dialogue forum on the election of female committee members, on the theme: “strengthening women in local governance and ensuring non interference and inclusion of diverse political groups and opinion at ward level” has been held at the Kenema sport club along Mahei Vangahun road in Kenema city.
The programme, which is being funded by Christian Aid and implemented by Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), brought together about 40 participants from the region.
The head of programmes at the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) Miss Marcella Macauley in her welcome address says the election is over and therefore every body should be taking about development now and not retrogression or conflict.
She reminded the councilors about the local council Act of 2004 which says that there should be five women and five men in each ward committee.
She reminded the ward electorate members to elect educated people into the position because they are the pillars of the people by looking out for projects for their communities and they can defend and improve their respective wards. Miss Macauley says women stand to develop, as they are the mothers of all, adding that the membership should include other party members so that they will feel belonged for the overall development of the wards.
The Chairman of the Civil Society Movement Eastern Region Augustine Sannoh in his contribution says he is happy because majority of the councilors are youths, and said they as Civil Society Movement are ever ready to work with the councils for the development of not only their councils but also Sierra Leone as a whole. He encouraged the ward electorate to bring on board more youths in the ward committees as they are the working force of the Country especially women because women can easily bring development in the communities.
Mr. Sannoh said the Civil Society Movement would praise the councils if they do good work in their localities but will also criticize and cry them down if they fail to live up to the expectations of the people. The representatives of the PMDC, APC and the SLPP made statements to ascertain their commitment to unity and development in the interest of their nation.
The chairman of the ceremony Mr. Fallah Bockarie called for total unity among all saying that there will be no development without peace in any nation, and that the International world admires country’s that live in peace. Chairman Bockarie encouraged all to frankly speak as it will not only heal the wounds that occurred during the electioneering period but greatly help in bringing development for all in the country.
At the end of the workshop all pledged to faithfully work within the ward committees in order to foster peace and development in the country.
By Saffa Moriba in Kenema
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