Sierra Leone Goes Rural for International Women’s Day

The Government of Sierra Leone's Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs and its partners plan to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) in the Western Area Rural District for the first time.

"The choice of a rural setting this year was directed by President Koroma," read a statement from the national IWD Committee. "Sierra Leone has 60 percent of its women living in rural areas. This year's celebrations are for all rural women to be reminded that they are very special," the press release said.

Western Area Rural District Local Government Chairman Alhassan Cole and other rural residents are reportedly excited as this will be the first-ever national event to be hosted in their administrative area.

Popular bands have joined together with the Sierra Leone Female Musicians Association, which has the support of Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden,  minister of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs.

"Willie Jay and Star Zee will be there to enforce the message that there is strength in unity. Lady Felicia and Vicky Fornah will be amongst those sending supportive shout-outs from America whilst Suga Lulu will send in her voice clip from London," the statement said.

Traditional female leaders are expected to reiterate their stance against child female genital cutting, child marriage, other various forms of abuse, as well as their support for human rights.

"The Social Welfare Ministry is proud to be in partnership with traditional women to solidify the work towards a progressive Sierra Leone where women enjoy their rights and children enjoy the fullest protection," the release said.

The IWD event on March 8 will be chaired by 50-50 President, Dr. Fatu Taqi. Keynote Speaker is President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, who will be accompanied by first lady Sia Nyama Koroma (pictured in archive photo above).

For Media and More Information, please contact:
Mrs. Williette James
Chair of the IWD Steering Sub-Committee on Media, Research & Documentation.
Telephone: +232-76-725753


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ebola: The More We Learn, the More We Realize How Much We Don't Know

Image
Alex Bonapha, chairman, Kailahun District Council O bservers say the controversy erupting in Kailahun over the case of a dead baby might just open up critical questions on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. "While the child appears to be at the center of this controversy, the real question being raised here is the mode of transmission: Is this virus transmitted or transfused?" asks Chernor Bah, chairman of the African Socialist Movement of Sierra Leone. Bah thinks “we need to listen to Mr. Bonapha's concerns.” A lex Bonapha is chairman of Kailahun District Council. In a tersely worded statement sent out Saturday, Bonapha said: "We are strongly contesting the validity of the one case today in Kailahun.  A young child of 9 months, fell ill and was hospitalised at the Nixon Memorial Hospital in Segbwema. They requested blood transfusion and a donor offered his blood. Eventually the child died and a swab was collected to verify the cause of death. It is this
Read more

28 Years Since the Death of Salami Coker

In words that echoed around the world, a commission of inquiry in Sierra Leone held the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) responsible for extrajudicial killings in1992. The junta's attempt to justify these executions retrospectively by decree, on the basis that the 26 people were alleged coup plotters, was an unlawful abuse of executive power, the commission said. In particular, the Commission found that the deputy chairman of the NPRC, Solomon A.J. Musa, was personally responsible for acts of torture on detainees. They called the executions a flagrant violation of international standards.   Among those executed on December 29, 1992, were: Lt. Col James Yaya Kanu, former commanding officer of the 4th Battalion James Bambay Kamara, former Inspector General of Police Corporal Mohammed Mansaray, alias Candapa of the 1st Battalion Warrant Officer Class 1 Kargbo, alias Fernando of the 1st Battalion headquarters Lieutenant colonel (Rtd.) Kahota M.S. Dumbuya, Army Headquarters.
Read more