Support For Women In Politics Is Still Poor

By Alpha B. Kamara
Out of a total of 230 female contestants in the 2008 Local Government Elections, only 86 made it through despite the relentless efforts by the International Community and local campaigners on gender equity in Governance and politics.
A government source disclosed that over 125 female contestants failed to make it to council and that data from Bonth District is still under investigation as there are issues to be addressed.
The Government Officer said 35 contestants make it through to councils in the Western and Western-Rural areas, also stating that the level of support for women participation in governance and politics is still poor.
He said women still face cultural and traditional obstacles and that the stigma of being viewed as inferiors to men is still perceived by majority of the people, especially rural women, who believe that a woman must be controlled by a man and not be seen to act as a man in society.
“The figure is discouraging. Women should reach out to the grassroots and discuss with their colleagues about the need to support each other to achieve their goal in society,” he said.
Mrs. Amy Smythe, a consultant for the National Democratic Institute, recently stated that women are a force to reckon with in the decision-making process in society, and that Government should enhance women’s participation in Governance; that women groups should strengthen a coalition of civil society to address gender issues, and also to provide political skills to women for effective political participation.
NDI Country Director, Mrs. Honorine Muyoyeta, said although the August 11 and September 8 Presidential Elections marked a significant milestone in the history of Sierra Leone, women continue to encounter major obstacles that inhibit their ability to fully participate in politics.