As a result of feedback and opinions expressed during the review of the Sierra Leone 1991 Constitution relating to citizenship, national security, local government, social protection, land, natural resources and environment among other issues, the United Nations Women, on Friday, engaged various representatives.
Deliberating on the need for public education on the Report before a referendum, UN Women, Officer-in-Charge, Marbey Sartie, said, “Public understanding of the report is essential for national development.”
Sartie further added that discriminatory provisions in the Constitution in terms of citizenship, land and natural resource rights are also issues that have been affecting national development.
Sartie further spoke of the importance of the recommendations adding rights relating to the environment, food, education, health, shelter and for social protection to be extended to vulnerable groups and survivors of gender-based violence.
Fatu Taqi, President of 50/50 Group, pointed out some of the benefits of understanding the Report before the referendum, stating, “An informed public will make a better choice in the upcoming referendum.”
Taqi said women’s participation in the development strives and political processes are long-standing demands that women need to understand before the referendum.
Fatmata Deen-Cole, a participant at the workshop, cited provisions in the Report that should be simplified for public understanding before voting on it.
“In Sierra Leone, the illiteracy rate is high. To ensure public understanding of the report, I think there should be community engagement for a better outcome.” Deen-Cole said.
By Sylvia Villa
Wednesday May 24, 2017.
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