PPRC News Brief 26th April 2015
The Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) Hon Justice M.E. Tolla Thompson on Friday 24th April 2015, challenged the members of the All Political Parties Women Association (APPWA) to aim above the 30% quota that they are clamouring for in governance. Men and women he says are the same and that they should work together for the betterment of Sierra Leone. Hon Justice Thompson also added that he believes that there are capable women as well as men in Sierra Leone.
He admonished the women to come together as a unified force and avoid petty jealousy amongst them. He assured the association of the Commissions support and that the doors of the Commission are always open to them for consultations and advise.
The PPRC Chairman further assured of his Commission’s support to the All Political Parties Association (APPA) and the All Political Parties Youth Association (APPYA).
In his statement, the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Hon Justice Edmond Cowan, congratulated the women for a great work done during the two days exercise. He informed them that not all of their recommendations will be put into the amended constitution but will be followed up in other legislations that already exist. He appealed to the women to take the information gathered and recommendations to other women for their inputs.
In his statement, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Technical Adviser Sana Baloch says he is impressed with the inputs and commitment of the women of APPWA throughout the entire process. The ball he says is in the court of the women whom he said should put together a position paper with clear recommendations. This he says should be presented to the CRC for action. He admonished the women to engage and encourage other women nationwide to discuss key issues in the Constitution. He appealed to all to ensure that the amended Constitution will be a symbol of equality, empowerment, respect, dignity, accountability and humility. He assured the women of UNDP’s continued support towards the empowerment of women in Sierra Leone.
In her statement, the facilitator who is also the Minority Leader in Parliament Hon Dr. Bernadette Lahai says all these will be achieved if there is the political-will at all a level.
Group work and presentations on Political Participation, Socio –Economic Empowerment and Gender Discrimination formed the highpoints of the two days exercise.
In their presentation, group one looked at Political Participation. Their recommendations include:
- 50% quota for women in all spheres of governance including political parties executives
- PPRC should ensure that political parties have in their Constitution a clause ensure 50% quota for women in their executive
- Monies should be set aside for female candidates by political parties
- Government should give subventions to political parties
- The 50% quota should be entrenched in the Constitution
- Candidature fee should be free for women
Group two looked at Socio-Economic Empowerment. Below are their recommendations:
- National Policy should cut across all school including private schools.
- Free and Compulsory Education for all and penalties for violation
- More Technical and Vocational institutions with proper monitoring mechanism
- Grant in Aid should be given by merit
- Leadership and Advocacy courses for women, youth and people with disability
- Availability of Schools in every villages with proper learning materials
- National Youth Policy should be enforced
- Establishment of National Youth Service Scheme
Group three looked at Gender Discrimination. Below are their recommendations:
- Access and ownership of land by women
- Women should have access to Chieftaincy
- The Constitution should be made gender friendly. i.e He/She
- Article 27 (4) d &e should be expunged
- Access to house rental by women
For more information contact the Outreach Officer/Spokesperson on 078201770
POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTRATION COMMISSION
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