The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) hosted a one-day workshop to enhance the comprehension of media practitioners, both traditional and social media, regarding the nuances of gender-sensitive issues and peace-building. The event was held at the Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen.
The workshop centered on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Resolutions and the localization of its most impactful principles within the Sierra Leone Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
Ms. Marcella Samba-Sesay, Executive Director of CGG, stated that the GEWE Act aims to interpret and implement the pillars of participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which served as the foundation of the GEWE Act in Sierra Leone.
She outlined the opportunities presented by GEWE to address the underlying challenges of women's political representation, access to finance and protection of the rights of women and girls.
Similar to its broader counterpart, the GEWE Act promotes women's participation in socio-economic activities, including public service through appointments and elections, establishes a quota for women, and provides relief measures such as paid maternal leave.
Mr. Charles Vandy, Director of Gender at the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA), emphasized the government's commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment through policy initiatives such as the GEWE Act and the development of the Sierra Leone National Action Plan, which outlines strategies and implementation phases.
The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange among experts and information disseminators, with the ultimate goal of improving gender equality and women's empowerment agendas.
