Orange SL Leads In Women Empowerment At Workplace
Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading mobile telecommunication companies in the country, showcased its dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment by supporting the Female Caucus in Parliament during a one-day symposium held on the 14th of March, 2024, to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The event, which took place at the Parliament Building on Tower Hill in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders to celebrate the progress made by women in politics, and discuss strategies for further advancement. In attendance were representatives from Orange SL, the Female Caucus in Parliament, the Government, the British High Commission, and various other organizations.
During the symposium, the General Secretary of Orange SL, Danetta Younge, delivered a statement expressing solidarity and celebration towards the accomplishments of women in politics. She commended the Government for its commitment to women’s empowerment through legislative measures, such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act. She emphasized the vital role of female Parliamentarians in championing gender equality, and recognized the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable society.
Younge proudly announced that Orange SL is compliant with the GEWE Act, with 30% of its workforce being women and an increasing number of women holding leadership roles within the company. She highlighted the importance of investing in women and providing them with the resources and support necessary for their growth and success. She called for equal access to opportunities across all platforms, as a means of fostering a fair and inclusive workspace.
The symposium underscored the significance of supporting women’s development and ensuring that necessary resources are provided to further progress towards achieving gender equality. Orange SL expressed solidarity with the female members of Parliament and pledged continued support for their endeavors.
In her address, the President of the Female Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Neneh Lebbie, acknowledged the efforts of past members and thanked various partners for their support in increasing female representation in Parliament. She highlighted the positive impact of gender equality and women’s empowerment laws in boosting the number of female MPs in Sierra Leone, surpassing the West African average at 38.2%.
Hon. Lebbie stressed the importance of continued support for gender equality, and urged for an end to violence against women and girls. She called for ongoing commitment to empowering women and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes.
Representing the British High Commission, Jack Burns emphasized the significance of women’s political participation and empowerment. He discussed the benefits of involving women in democracy, including improved economic growth, better policy representation, and enhanced diplomatic missions. Burns encouraged collaboration among women leaders from diverse backgrounds to address common issues and prioritize the needs of their constituents.
He shared personal experiences and expressed support for initiatives like U-Map, which aims to connect women politicians to advocate for important issues. Burns called on women leaders to transcend political differences and focus on serving their communities, highlighting the transformative power of women’s leadership.
As the symposium concluded, messages of gratitude were extended to all attendees for their contributions to the cause of inclusion and equality. The collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment remains strong, fueled by the dedication of organizations like Orange Sierra Leone and the unwavering advocacy of women leaders in Parliament. Through continued collaboration and support, progress towards a more equitable society where women can thrive and excel is steadily being made.