Women’s Network bids farwell to US envoy
Women’s Network for Progress (WNP) on Saturday 28th September 2013 bid farewell to the outgoing United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Michael Owen at the ceremony held at Hajvic Entertainment Center in Port Loko town.
The founder of the Women’s Network for Progress, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, disclosed that during his tenure, the Ambassador was concerned about women’s issues in the country, especially the Network that he greatly supported and enlightened that the Network is non-political but aimed at mobilizing women to become partners in development as well as participate in democratic activities in the country.
She also said that women are not only meant for domestic chores but to participate in the decision-making process and revealed that the US Embassy is one of the sponsors to capacitate women.
Madam Turay further revealed that women in Sierra Leone constitute about 52% of the population and observed that if they work as a united front, they would facilitate development stating that the aim of the Network is to complement Government’s efforts to improve women’s empowerment and capacity building, thanked the Ambassador for his relentless efforts to promote women’s issues in the country and assured him of their support even as he returns home. The President of the Network, Haja Mariatu Kemoh Sesay disclosed that they are determined to take up leadership positions to fast-track development and encouraged women to be united for the development of the country.
The outgoing Ambassador, Michael Owen, disclosed that he has been in Sierra Leone for three years during which period he visited Port Loko District five times and thanked the Network for the initiative.
According to the American envoy, with support, women can perform equally or even better than their male counterparts and pledged to inform President Barrack Obama about the progress and strengthening of women’s issues in Sierra Leone, especially the Women’s Network for Progress Organization in Port Loko. He further appealed to the women to be ready to challenge issues pertaining to the development of the country as well as actively participating in the decision-making process.
The Regional Organizing Secretary of the Network, Haja Yapate Sankoh urged Mr. Michael Owen to continue visiting the country, especially the Network that has gone national.
Cultural performances and singing songs of praise for the outgoing Ambassador climaxed the ceremony.
By Abdul R. Bedor Kamara
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