Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards Committee has issued a forceful condemnation following an incident involving First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, during the recent State Opening of Parliament. The Committee, acting through the Kids Advocacy Network, described the behaviour of some Members of Parliament as an unacceptable attempt to intimidate the First Lady, an action they deem deeply damaging to the nation’s progress on gender equality.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Committee characterized the incident as profoundly “disrespectful” not only to the person of the First Lady, but to the high office she holds. They emphasized that such actions inflict broader damage, undermining the dignity and security of all women actively participating in Sierra Leone’s public and political life. The statement underscored Parliament’s critical constitutional role as a key arm of government, highlighting its fundamental obligation to actively protect and empower women. Creating environments where women feel “belittled, harassed, or intimidated,” the Committee argued, represents a direct violation of this duty and a setback for the nation’s democratic values.
“The democratic progress of Sierra Leone depends on a culture of respect, inclusion, and protection for women’s participation in governance,” the statement asserted. It called upon lawmakers to embody the highest standards of conduct and to lead by example in fostering this essential culture.
Consequently, the Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards Committee has made two specific demands. Firstly, they have called upon the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament to issue a formal, public apology to Mrs. Bio on behalf of the entire House. Secondly, they urged the Speaker to initiate a prompt and thorough formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence. The statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges women in leadership face in Sierra Leone and the critical need for institutions like Parliament to be exemplars of gender-sensitive and respectful conduct, especially in the wake of significant national legislation aimed at advancing women’s rights. The incident has sparked significant discussion about the treatment of women in high office and the practical implementation of the country’s commitments to gender equality within its own halls of power.