Another day of pride for Sierra Leone at the United Nations
Thursday March 4, 2010 was another day of pride for Sierra Leone at the United Nations , as the country received tremendous all-round praise from stakeholders and representatives of the International Community for becoming one of the short-list of African nations and the 17th in the whole world to showcase the National Action Plan on the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 .
On the Occasion of the 54th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women presently going on at the UN , the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Canada, Cordaid and the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) , held a panel discussion , where the Sierra Leone Action Plan (SiLNAP) was showcased. The topic of the program was : “UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 : The Sierra Leone Experience “.
The showcasing of the plan was a significant achievement in the evolution and promotion of women’s security and empowerment in Sierra Leone and Thursday was a day that every woman in Sierra Leone should be proud of. It was another day that ushered in the dawn of total women’s liberation from all forms of abuse, marginalization and powerlessness. Sierra Leone joined Liberia, Rwanda and Uganda as the African nations to have unveiled the National Action Plan for the implementation of the two UN Resolutions. Other countries with national action plans are the Ivory Coast and DR Congo.
According to the Sierra Leone Action Plan Booklet, Resolution “1325 on Women , Peace and Security and 1820 address the impact of war and conflict on women and girls including the recognition of and intervention on the gender dimension .Also, these resolutions address women’s contributions to conflict prevention, resolution, transformation , peace processes and peace building.”
Resolution 1325 “as designed is a tool for engendering peace and security process as it can leverage strategic actions for equitable and sustainable interventions for inclusive security ,peace, and development , especially with respect to women and girls “.
The Program to showcase SiLNAP was attended by stakeholders and a large number of representatives from the International Community at a jampacked Conference Room 6 where every available seat was taken up. Attendees came from different parts of the world, including Africa.
The welcome address was given by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations , Ambassador Shekou Touray while Parliamentarian Dr. Bernadette Lahai acted as Moderator. Dr. Nana Pratt, a university lecturer, and also a member of the National Organization of Women (NOW) (SL) and MARWOPNET (SL), as well as Co-Coordinator of the SiLNAP , unveiled the Sierra Leone Action Plan by tracing the history of the plan.
Mr. Charles Vandy, Programme officer and an expert from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children’s and Gender Affairs, gave a brief discussion of the contents of the Action Plan ,which comprises of 5 pillars —Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Participation and Coordination. Parliamentarian Hon . Musa Tamba Sam dilated on the significance of the plan .
The Hon.Rev. Marie Yansaneh , President of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus , Chair of the Social Services , Gender and Children’s Affairs Committtee and member of the Education , Lands and Defence Committee , discussed the role of Parliament in the implementation of the two resolutions. The closing statement was delivered by the Minister of Social Welfare, Children’s and Gender Affairs , Dr. Soccoh Kabia.
Staff of the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the UN present at the program were the Permanent Representative, Mr. Shekou Touray , the Deputy Permanent Representative for Political Affairs, Mr. Rupert Davies, the Minister Plenipotentiary and Coordinator of C-10, Mr. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu , the Acting Head of Chancery , Counselor Victoria Sulimani, who introduced the occasion, and Counselor Sulay Mannah Kpukumu.
In PART 2 OF THIS REPORT, I will bring you in full the statements made by participants during the program.
Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu, Minister Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UNStay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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