As a way of preparing for the political task ahead, more than 100 female aspirants from Kono, Kenema and Kailahun concluded a three-day training session on leadership and advocacy techniques in Kenema.
The training was part of the promoting Women participation in Governance project undertaken by the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) and Social Enterprise Development SEND Sierra Leone with support from Irish Aid, Christian Aid and Hamilton Family.
The aim of the project is to empower and get more women participation in national and local governance in that part of the country.
The purpose of the training was to get the women to understand what its takes to be a very good leader, how to get support from their people and also training on advocacy and lobbying skills to persuade their male counterpart to support them in their drive.
According to Rebecca Y. Kamara, a Parliamentary aspirant from Constituency 029 Kono district, the training was vital for them because going into a contest they need people which requires skills and strategies to convince them to avoid failure in their quest.
“One unique thing that I learnt here is that leadership is a social influence. One needs to possess certain qualities to influence others,” she disclosed, explaining that no one person can succeed which is why they need the training.
The Secretary of Kailahun Women in Governance Network Councilor, Theresa Satta Garber, who is also aspiring to be the Kailahun Chair at the District council, said the training had increased their confidence in addressing issues of national interest.
She disclosed that their Network have spread its operation to the 15 Chiefdoms within the district and that they will continue to advocate for women participation in governance in other for them to increase their representation in both the Council and Parliament, adding once the time is right they will start engaging political parties representatives for more symbols to be awarded to women aspirants.
Aminata Sia Jamiru, another aspirants from Tankoro Chiefdom, Kono district, said they really want more women in governance so they are not preaching party politics to anyone but women representation in both council and Parliament. “It is commonly said more women better politics and better politics more women,” she said, calling on all the participants to vote women rather than party colors.
The Project Officer of NMJD Christine Pettiquei, disclosed they have been working with women in Kono for the past two years now and they have realized every women in that party of the country is interested in going into governance issue and also protecting their girls.
She disclosed the training is important for the participants to realize the fact that politics is not about fight or violence but lobbying to win votes, adding that their focus is to ensure more women representation no matter the political party.
According to the Country Director of SEND Sierra Leone, Joseph Ayamga, they already aware that some of the women have some basic experience but thought it fit to expand on them to take up leadership roles within their various communities.
“Our goal is to make sure we contribute to an inclusive Sierra Leone. If the women are left behind how can a country develop,” he questioned, stating that if women are not educated, if they are left behind or don’t have access to any development facilities they will always be at the back which will affect the country’s development.
He furthered that they will like to ensure the women have the necessary skills to compete with their male counter part during the election period, disclosing that they will like to expand the project to other regions across the country if they have the resources.
Eimear Murphy, the Governance Adviser of Irish Aid, expressed satisfaction on the performance of the women as her organization intend to see an inclusive society in Sierra Leone where women are in leadership positions across the country. AMK/9/11/17
By Alhaji M. Kamara
Friday November 10, 2017.
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