Let women’s voices be heard
It has always been upheld that men are the breadwinners, especially in Africa. The thought probably never crossed a woman’s mind of being independent, less sufficient in those days. That sinful thought would have given them a fever just daring to think about it!
It has been widely perceived that women are the weaker sex but now in the 21st century the great old masculinity seems to have gone from prevailing dominance to something else in the sense that women have evolved from existing in not only bedrooms and kitchens but to all areas of life. Now they have voices. Yet they are still being refused their rights to speak.
As matter of great concern, women constantly find themselves discriminated against and most times exploited just for their voices to be heard. In most universities in Sierra Leone the cry of “sexual harassment for grades” is a constant one, a bitter one that should not be sung on the lips of our women. Fragile assurances and broken promises are chiefly all the support being given to ‘combat’ and stop this offence. Sadly this is not enough. So many women, potential leaders, our vision for tomorrow find themselves being exploited; find their walls of dreams collapsing before their eyes at the mercy of vindictive lecturers. What are we really doing about it? Do we just give half an ear or turn a blind eye to the degradation of our women?
Inherently, women are nurturers but most find their advances and contributions to society rejected and scorned. Amidst the current global recession, women are on the up rise fighting to survive to make a way even using what they have to get what they want; whilst our ‘gallant’ men are being laid off their super jobs with nothing much to do. Yet still women are being deprived of their rights to exist to make history, rather they are forced to be history.
Cases of women being discriminated against mainly because of their gender in political issues and domestic decision-makings are very common in Africa though it must be acknowledged that in some areas, a little concession has been made. Staunchly; said bravo – but it is just not enough. Women’s full rights must be acknowledged and maintained, that is what we call a cohesive society
For a country like Sierra Leone that is at the bottom of the Human Development Index (HDI) and still struggling to get to the development scale, one wonders at the mentality of its people towards women that are practically drivers of modern development initiatives. Why shun contributions made by women that could make a positive impact on society and the nation as a whole? So much talk about “attitudinal change” but it appears that it’s just that. Talk. Changing our perception towards the role of women in Sierra Leone would undoubted mean that we have prepared our minds to scale forth on the development ladder
In other parts of the world women are putting a mark on history, making history and contributing new ways and ideas to make the world a better place. They are encouraged to live and strive. It’s so sad to realize the fact that whilst it has been proven that our women can surpass others, can make Sierra Leone proud but that they are not given much of a chance. One big question is “WHY?”
On a positive side it’s good to know that at least some people are doing something and believe in the power of women. Some laws have been passed to respect and acknowledge the rights of women and for the sake of development and growth in Sierra Leone let all hopefuls hope that it won’t be long before we hear the voices of our women felt and heard. We hope the laws will take effect instead of buying the dust on shelves!
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