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We cannot have full development without fully involving women. We have been running a two-piston engine on one piston. We need all hands on deck to make up for lost time.
Ketumile Masire, former President of Botswana.
Ketumile Masire, former President of Botswana.
The women of Sierra Leone are the economic backbone of this country, and played a critical role in bringing about peace (...) They have earned their place at the table, and should be allowed and encouraged to exercise their full political rights – as access and participation are rights, not gifts.
Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada.
In Uganda, women account for nearly 1 in 3 parliamentarians. We all need to get to 50/50 – as stipulated in the African Union Declaration. (...) you need to vote! And you should vote for those who will fight for your issues!
Dora Byamukama, Member of the East African Legislative Assembly and former MP of Uganda.
This is not an ‘Us vs. Them’ proposition (...) Women need to work with our male colleagues on these issues, because it is for the benefit of our societies as a whole.
Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada.
This meeting is an eye opener for me. We in Makeni are not doing too badly. Of the 12 councilors in the town council, four are women. When women become aggressive, men will fear a takeover.
M. Le. Leontah, Representative of the Paramount Chiefs in Makeni
First Mission to Sierra Leone
Freetown, May 28 - June 1
The mission to Sierra Leone was led by Club of Madrid Members Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Sir Ketumile Masire, former President of Botswana. The Hon. Dora Byamukama, former Member of Parliament of Uganda and current Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, also participated in the delegation as an expert.
The aim of the mission was to strengthen female leadership, build greater public confidence in women political leaders and expand women’s political participation in Sierra Leone. To this end, the mission encouraged stakeholders to provide space and support for women’s political participation, particularly their involvement in the upcoming elections of August 2007. Women were encouraged to step up their involvement as candidates by endeavouring to dismantle the stereotypes linking leadership to men. The delegation also gave women encouragement by sharing their own experiences aimed at building the confidence of women politicians and gaining the support of the men in leadership.
The delegation met with over 250 people representing a cross section of leaders, both individuals and of groups, in Sierra Leone. The team met with civil society groups, political and civic leaders, female government ministers, political party executives, former and present female parliamentarians, political aspirants and government officials, as well as traditional leaders, town and district councillors and journalists in Freetown. The delegation also travelled to the town of Makeni in Bombali district, where they met with traditional leaders, local district councillors and women leaders, as well as civil society organizations.
The mission was successful in providing all participants an opportunity to learn from the experience. All meetings provided a cordial and informal environment that allowed for interaction and free discussions between the mission delegation and the participants. Club of Madrid Members shared their experiences and learned about Sierra Leone through the exchange of ideas that followed. Sierra Leonean women that attended were bold, articulate, and extremely eager to learn. The delegation members were impressed with the commitment of the government, political leaders and the women and men of Sierra Leone towards greater participation of women in the political life of the country. They commended these efforts while encouraging them to do more.
Activities
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Meeting with Civil Society Groups
Civil society groups in Sierra Leone have been working towards strategies for the implementation of the quota system and are working with women to participate actively in politics at all levels. About 30 representatives of different organizations attended the meeting, including the Association of Women Lawyers, the 50/50 Group, the Mano River Women’s Peace Network, and a number of women’s human rights organizations.
Participants in the meeting raised several issues and concerns, particularly:
- The fact that women stood little chance of in the primaries due to the actions of political party leaders, specifically their blocking of women aspirants in favour of men.
- The need for closer ties between women at the national level and women at the grassroots level.
- The need to strengthen connections between young women and the older women, especially in a country where the literacy gap was very high and women are a majority of the illiterates.
Meeting with the Women Ministers
The purpose of the meeting was for CoM Members and women leaders to share their experiences on a peer to peer level, and to build confidence and bilateral networks in support of women in politics.
The delegation met with: Mrs. Shirley Gbujama, the Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs; Mrs Memunatu, Koroma Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs; and Mrs Theresa, Koroma Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
The delegation met with: Mrs. Shirley Gbujama, the Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs; Mrs Memunatu, Koroma Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs; and Mrs Theresa, Koroma Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
The Delegation was informed that there were three bills in parliament waiting to be passed before the closure of this parliament. The three bills are vital for promoting the rights of women and children in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is also poised to ratify CEDAW and the convention on the children’s rights.
Meeting with Political Party Leaders
The purpose of the meeting was to lobby political party leadership to create political space for women participants and to increase the number of women in political leadership positions within the parties. Its goals were also to sensitize political party leaders on the importance of involving women in the political arena and to advocate for affirmative action policies to be included in their party constitutions.
The meeting was attended by 4 major political parties of the 8 registered: the SLPP, APC, PLA and the PMDC. The political parties’ code of conduct is a positive step towards making elections free and fair. Some political parties have taken concrete steps to promote women candidates such as by providing financial assistance to support their campaigns. Most of the parties have women’s leagues and have been working to encourage women to participate.
The meeting was attended by 4 major political parties of the 8 registered: the SLPP, APC, PLA and the PMDC. The political parties’ code of conduct is a positive step towards making elections free and fair. Some political parties have taken concrete steps to promote women candidates such as by providing financial assistance to support their campaigns. Most of the parties have women’s leagues and have been working to encourage women to participate.
Most of the party leaders confessed that the parties did not have resources to address the issues of women. A member of the Peace and Liberation Party said that women are marginalized although they make effective campaigners. Patriarchal systems are rooted and it will require a lot of sensitization for both men and women, since not even women support their fellow women. He mentioned a proverb that explains the situation in which women do all the work and men enjoy the benefits. The proverb in Creole says, “Monkey work Baboon de chop” (the monkey works but the baboon gets all the benefits).
The Rt. Hon. Ms. Campbell encouraged the political party leaders to open up space for more women to come in. She explained that she became the first woman Prime Minister in Canada because of the space that was created for her by a party and a prime Minister who believed in her and gave her opportunity to serve as Minister in different portfolios.
Hon. Byamukama mentioned that to build credible parties, it is a prerequisite to shift ideas and beliefs that act as a barrier to women’s participation. Women remain inhibited in the political race by many obstacles and barriers, which make the playing field uneven. Each political party ought to look at the good principles of governance within its party to give all participants a level playing field.
Meeting with Women Parliamentarians and aspirants
This meeting was attended by women parliamentarians, women aspirants and women leaders in the government. The chair of the National Electoral commission (NEC) also attended. Issues discussed included the strength and capabilities of the women’s caucuses and financial and logistical constraints, among others. The NEC Chair informed the members that the voter registration exercise, which lasted 21 days, revealed that 41 % of those registered on the first day of registration were women and the figure rose to 49%. Men began with high numbers but figures dropped drastically as the days went by. Women register as voters more than men do.
Participants agreed that women in Sierra Leone live under very difficult social pressure and stereotypes that confine them to household roles. The low status remains compounded by high levels of illiteracy, social stereotypes, and their gender roles. Women lack confidence in seeking office in the political and public sphere. Despite the negative biases towards women in the legal system and the obstacles mentioned before, women continue to push for their aspirations and to demand a seat at the table, participating as equal partners.
Participants agreed that women in Sierra Leone live under very difficult social pressure and stereotypes that confine them to household roles. The low status remains compounded by high levels of illiteracy, social stereotypes, and their gender roles. Women lack confidence in seeking office in the political and public sphere. Despite the negative biases towards women in the legal system and the obstacles mentioned before, women continue to push for their aspirations and to demand a seat at the table, participating as equal partners.
Finance is a huge problem in most of Africa, as governments do not invest in supporting candidates. People with money take over this role and end up sponsoring their own candidates. In Uganda the political party Financing Act provides limited resources to parties for support to candidates.
Visit to Makeni Town, Bombali District
On the second day, the mission travelled to Makeni in Bombali district to meet with paramount chiefs, councillors and other local leaders. Both men and women attended the meetings.
In most rural communities in Sierra Leone, customs are respected and define most social relations between men and women, frequently reinforcing inequality. Chiefs in Sierra Leone are elected for life and are the most recognized authority and visible face of government in communities as they are considered the custodians of the customs and traditions of the people. There are 149 traditional chiefdoms, each headed by a paramount chief.
In most rural communities in Sierra Leone, customs are respected and define most social relations between men and women, frequently reinforcing inequality. Chiefs in Sierra Leone are elected for life and are the most recognized authority and visible face of government in communities as they are considered the custodians of the customs and traditions of the people. There are 149 traditional chiefdoms, each headed by a paramount chief.
Meeting with the Paramount Chiefs, Councillors and Women Leaders
The purpose of this meeting was to:
• Raise gender awareness among the traditional leaders and sensitize them to the importance of women's involvement in politics
• Encourage them to open space for competent women to participate in politics by sharing their examples as a tool for advocacy.
The mission’s visit coincided with Prime Minister Blair’s trip to Sierra Leone. The Paramount chiefs were in Freetown to crown Tony Blair Paramount Chief of Sierra Leone. In his place, the representative of the Makeni paramount chief attended the AWLP meeting and welcomed the mission on behalf of his paramount chief. The representative was accompanied by the chiefdom Speaker, section chief and village /town chief. Some of the women attending this meeting were mummy queens and held some leadership roles in the community.
The main items discussed during this meeting were the issues of all-male secret societies, education, and cultural barriers, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Participants pointed out that the majority of the women currently in parliament were from other parts of the country. In the north, women faced more social, cultural and educational barriers to political participation.
The women recommended advocacy work to influence men to open up the secret societies to women or allow women to form their own societies. They also noted jealousy among women as another reason the women gave for their failure to make it in politics. Prime Minister Kim Campbell warned that saying that women are jealous of each other and do not support one another is a trick to keep women out of leadership. The more women get into politics, the more they will push for change in their favour. Women should not fall for the tricks that will cause them to stay out of the political arena.
The main items discussed during this meeting were the issues of all-male secret societies, education, and cultural barriers, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Participants pointed out that the majority of the women currently in parliament were from other parts of the country. In the north, women faced more social, cultural and educational barriers to political participation.
The women recommended advocacy work to influence men to open up the secret societies to women or allow women to form their own societies. They also noted jealousy among women as another reason the women gave for their failure to make it in politics. Prime Minister Kim Campbell warned that saying that women are jealous of each other and do not support one another is a trick to keep women out of leadership. The more women get into politics, the more they will push for change in their favour. Women should not fall for the tricks that will cause them to stay out of the political arena.
At the end of the session the representative of the paramount chief offered himself to be campaign agent for the women that stand up to compete for political positions. He concluded by saying, “This meeting is an eye opener for me. We in Makeni are not doing too badly. Of the 12 councillors in the town council, 4 are women. When women become aggressive, men will fear a take over. We need to be encouraged to share leadership with women.”
The Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell concluded that the advancement of women will be done with men who are ready. Democratic culture cannot change without democratic institutions. We are all individuals constrained by society. Society does not allow women to show how strong they are. It is therefore dangerous to keep on stereotyping women. She concluded by saying that:
“A man can be strong and forceful and yet be kind and gentle, and so can a woman be kind and gentle and yet strong. Women have shown qualities of patience, kindness and strength.”
You cannot achieve social development without women. Invest in women to encourage them as they produce over 70% of the resources of the country. We must continue to raise awareness and put issues on the agenda.
“A man can be strong and forceful and yet be kind and gentle, and so can a woman be kind and gentle and yet strong. Women have shown qualities of patience, kindness and strength.”
You cannot achieve social development without women. Invest in women to encourage them as they produce over 70% of the resources of the country. We must continue to raise awareness and put issues on the agenda.
Meeting with Youth Leaders
Youth have the opportunity to bring about new ideas and new thinking as more take over and gain entrance to parliament. In the discussion that followed with the youth organizations, a number of issues that concern them were raised. Youth are constrained by the huge sum of money in fees to be paid to parties to be able to participate. Other issues raised were those of disability and the exclusion of disabled people, especially women. Young leaders, however, believe that they have the passion and energy to lead Sierra Leone.
Youth leaders wanted to know what African leaders were doing to promote them. The youth were worried that their leaders do not want to relinquish power, therefore making it difficult for them to support the youth. They also raised the question of women supporting fellow women. They acknowledged that the assigned roles for men and women by society are deeply rooted and wondered how the changes that they desire could come about.
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The Press Conference
A number of media attended the press conference and received a statement of the mission’s objectives in Sierra Leone. After the statement, the CoM members were asked questions by the members of the press.
A member of the press asked the mission members what their views were on the marginalisation of women in political parties.
The Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell replied that the marginalisation of women in political parties is not unique to Sierra Leone. It is happening everywhere. CoM members shared with participants what is happening in other countries. We can build on the successes of women in other countries, including Sierra Leone. In Makeni the mission found that out of 12 members of the town council, 4 were women and out of 114 members of the house, 19 were women. This is progress. The CoM members had spoken to political leaders about the issue of women's representation and participation and the leaders had expressed willingness and commitment to supporting the issues of women.
The Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell replied that the marginalisation of women in political parties is not unique to Sierra Leone. It is happening everywhere. CoM members shared with participants what is happening in other countries. We can build on the successes of women in other countries, including Sierra Leone. In Makeni the mission found that out of 12 members of the town council, 4 were women and out of 114 members of the house, 19 were women. This is progress. The CoM members had spoken to political leaders about the issue of women's representation and participation and the leaders had expressed willingness and commitment to supporting the issues of women.
What is your message to the leaders on women’s participation in political leadership?
CoM members had discussed with leaders and they had expressed a willingness to change. CoM members shared and hoped for practical realities. CoM members are committed to sharing and learning from success stories. The Media has a big role to play because it can reach people, it can report on how parties are translating their theory into practice.
We must focus in all areas, look at the law, changes in attitudes, in customary law, religious practices, inheritance laws, property laws etc. Changes must come in all these areas for us to be able to move forward with equity and then equality.
CoM members had discussed with leaders and they had expressed a willingness to change. CoM members shared and hoped for practical realities. CoM members are committed to sharing and learning from success stories. The Media has a big role to play because it can reach people, it can report on how parties are translating their theory into practice.
We must focus in all areas, look at the law, changes in attitudes, in customary law, religious practices, inheritance laws, property laws etc. Changes must come in all these areas for us to be able to move forward with equity and then equality.
Follow-up Meeting with Women Leaders, Parliamentarians and Aspirants
This was a follow-up meeting, at the request of the participants so they could have more quality time with the delegates. The group met with President Masire and Hon Dora Byamukama. Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell had already left the country.
President Masire opened the meeting by stating the position of Africa on gender. African leaders have recognized that women in Africa have been left behind and have therefore decided that to follow the 50/50 strategy. This means that when we have reached the level of 50/50, then we will look at people on Merit. He pointed out that Sierra Leone had decided to move from proportional representation to single constituency representation. This means that parties will only put up candidates with prospects of winning. This will require more innovative ideas in order to ensure fair play. According to Masire, parties should ensure that men are slightly disadvantaged and women slightly advantaged for an even playing field. Women should also continue to lobby their parties to change. They should advocate for legislation to change to ensure fair play.
In the discussions that ensued, participants discussed issues pertaining to Sierra Leone's situation. Participants expressed fears that it would be difficult in the prevailing circumstances for women in Sierra Leone to achieve 30% or even retain the current numbers achieved in the last election. They discussed obstacles and made some suggestions on how to address them. They agreed that serious advocacy was required to challenge some of the unjust regulations in the electoral process that disadvantage women in politics. The women challenged the CGG and the 50/50 Group to take a serious leading role in forming a caucus group that will bring women together to advocate for desirable changes.
The President of 50/50 Group, who is a member of the constitutional review commission, informed the groups that some of these issues were already being addressed by the constitutional review commission. She said they asked women through various radio programs to come meet with the group to discuss issues and receive support, but women have not been forthcoming. The groups had spoken to political party leaders to support women but very little has been achieved.
The President of 50/50 Group, who is a member of the constitutional review commission, informed the groups that some of these issues were already being addressed by the constitutional review commission. She said they asked women through various radio programs to come meet with the group to discuss issues and receive support, but women have not been forthcoming. The groups had spoken to political party leaders to support women but very little has been achieved.
The group challenged CGG and 50/50 to take the lead in bringing women together through a coalition to develop a strategy to deal with some of the issues raised. Those who have lost in parties should be encouraged to continue engagement with their patties and display their abilities, bearing in mind that men because of their privileged positions have had opportunities to display their strengths. Women must not fade away until the next election.
3 New Laws
A few days after the Club of Madrid mission to Sierra Leone, three new laws making wife-beating a criminal offence, allowing women to inherit property, and protecting young women against forced marriage, were enacted by Sierra Leone’s Parliament. According to a human rights coalition, these laws will “help to radically improve the legal position of women in Sierra Leone.” The Taskforce on Gender Bills said “Until now the issue of redress for injustices committed against women especially in the domestic realm has been an uphill task because of the inadequacies of the law.”
In Christiana Wilson’s (50/50 Group Program Coordinator) words, “These laws will give women confidence. (…) If women are not confident enough, they will not come out for political positions. Women can now say, ‘I’m somebody. My husband cannot just beat me up. I am somebody - and why don’t I go for even more?’”. Click here to read full IRIN News article.
The Club of Madrid supports these measures to promote women’s public and private rights, and looks forward to seeing their implementation. The Club of Madrid will continue to work towards the promotion of women’s political rights in Sierra Leone.
In Christiana Wilson’s (50/50 Group Program Coordinator) words, “These laws will give women confidence. (…) If women are not confident enough, they will not come out for political positions. Women can now say, ‘I’m somebody. My husband cannot just beat me up. I am somebody - and why don’t I go for even more?’”. Click here to read full IRIN News article.
The Club of Madrid supports these measures to promote women’s public and private rights, and looks forward to seeing their implementation. The Club of Madrid will continue to work towards the promotion of women’s political rights in Sierra Leone.
Press Coverage
Read the Press articles related to the first AWLP mission to Sierra Leone:
6 June, 2007. Sierra Leone: Kim Campbell Turns up in Sierra Leone (Embassy; Canada)
31 May, 2007. Sierra Leone: CGG, Club of Madrid Empower Women (Concord Times)
29 May, 2007. Sierra Leone: The Campaign for Good Governance Hosts the Club of Madrid (Awareness Times)
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Page last updated: August 22,2007
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The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Club of Madrid and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Government of Canada.