CHRDSL to be launched
Campaign for Human Right and Development in Sierra Leone will soon commence operation in Sierra Leone soon after its launching.
The organization intends to give awards to people that have contributed to nation’s human rights, rule of law and other developmental projects. As he speaks out, the Chief Executive Officer, who doubles as founder of the forenamed organization, Abdul Fatoma, said the idea to have such an organization formed emanated from the thought that women should have equal rights to men.
He stated further that Women’s contributions are often left unsaid or unhealed, even though women take part in discussions leading to decision-making.
“In community settings, employee gatherings, or family encounters, women may participate but in isolation. Why is this?” he said
“There are, of course, a variety of cultural, historical, and personal reasons. Some women have a natural gift for making their thoughts known, their perspectives considered, and their ideas undertaken. We can learn from these women, picking and choosing their attributes to which we ourselves aspire.”
In many cultures and communities in the world, women are viewed and treated as inferior or as a second-class citizens including Sierra Leone. Prejudices against them are deep-rooted.
Adds: “women may have access but no control. Women may have less access than men to the benefits of economic or political activity or little control over them. They may have access to land but no control over its long term use or ownership. Women may have some access to local political processes but little influence and control over the nature of issues to be addressed and final decision.”
The context of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are on the rise. Such claims have been brought against perpetrators – fathers, husbands, brothers, doctors, teachers and pastors.
“Gender based violence in all its forms is an ongoing problem, even in the so – called developed nations. Its starting date, November 25th, was chosen in honour of the Mirabel sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic. The three sisters were murdered for their efforts to oppose dictatorship in their country, and their legacy of bravery and compassion has made them national and international heroines,” Fatoma charged.
It was in 1999 that the United Nations officially joined the campaign by designating 25 November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (resolution 54/134).
This followed on from 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, in which the UN General Assembly resolved “that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and freedoms of women” and identified “a need for … commitment by the international community at large to the elimination of violence against women.” UN agencies have since partnered with non- governmental organization to see that the voice of women in our society should be heard.
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