President Bio Empowers More Women

By Edwina Sia Janga

Almost all women groups in the country have commended President Bio for the inclusion of a good number of women in his cabinet. This move by the President has been seen as putting into action his words to empower women.

This medium engaged various young women in Freetown about their take on the appointment of women into cabinet by the President. Many expressed joy that at last their voices are being heard. They maintained that women form some 52% of the entire population of the country, and it is but reasonable that they be included in decision making. They stated that every decision that is taken by the government and Parliament affects them, and with this type of cabinet, they are expecting their women folks in government to seek their interest and ensure that policies of the government are women-friendly.

Other set of women furthered that whatever a man can do a woman can also do. They stressed that with women in the cabinet, they are expecting them to advocate for the reduction of the prices of commodities in the country, which will eventually see a reduction of the cost of living. They also maintained that the 30% quota that women have been advocating for is now coming to reality. They mentioned that the PR System in which they introduced one woman for every three candidates contesting the elections has been a good thing for the women, as it has resulted in more women going into Parliament.

Speaking in respect of issues of corruption, the women explained that it is unusual to hear of women involving in corruption, because they are only interested in what they earn to take care of their families, whilst, on the other hand, men often look for money to take care of their families and side chicks. This has been the reason for all the corruption in the country.