In a bold call for social justice, Kumba Favour Amara, the National President of the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN), has urged the government to ensure radical inclusion of underrepresented and marginalized groups in Sierra Leone’s governance system. This appeal was made during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education Weekly Press Conference on 10th September 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Freetown.
YWIGN, a network founded by SEND Sierra Leone, advocates for women’s rights and participation in governance processes.
Madam Favour Amara stressed the need for broader inclusion, noting that women, youth, and people with disabilities remain underrepresented in governance. She highlighted that every individual has potential and should be allowed to contribute to nation-building.
Madam Favour Amara praised the All Political Parties Association (APPA) for their dedication to regulating politicians and political parties in Sierra Leone. She also commended
the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for its role in reviewing the Political Parties Act 2022, which emphasizes inclusion in Part 9 of the Act.
As a civil society activist, Favour Amara acknowledged the progress made by the current administration under President Julius Maada Bio, particularly in appointing women and young people to strategic executive positions. She noted that this unprecedented change in governance allows women and youth to see themselves as integral to decision-making and nation-building.
“For the first time in our history, we have young ministers, young parliamentarians, young directors, and young diplomats,” she said. “Women, youth, and people with disabilities should not always be silent or spoken for-they deserve the space and platform to make their voices heard and to act.”
Favour Amara urged those in leadership to ensure compliance with laws mandating the inclusion of women in key executive roles beyond traditional positions such as treasurer. She pointed to Nigeria’s
“Not Too Young to Run” law as a model and encouraged Sierra Leone’s authorities to follow suit, affirming that the country’s youth can lead.
She concluded by calling for more opportunities for women and young people to be included in roundtable discussions, stressing that older generations may not fully understand or prioritize these groups’ needs and aspirations.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency