Lawyer Slams Parliament's Focus on Women's Clothing Over National Issues

Lawyer Slams Parliament's Focus on Women's Clothing Over National Issues

Prominent lawyer and former President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Basita Michael, has strongly criticized the recent focus of Parliament on regulating women’s attire, following the dress code restrictions announced by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.

Michael questioned Parliament’s priorities, arguing that its oversight efforts should be directed toward more pressing national concerns, such as corruption, public spending accountability, abuse of power, selective justice, and deficiencies in public services.

She stated publicly, "Unable to exercise oversight over public spending, corruption, abuse of power, selective justice, or failing services, Parliament has settled for overseeing women’s clothing."

The Deputy Speaker's directive initially banned women from wearing trousers and miniskirts during parliamentary proceedings, including staff and clerks, with the stated aim of promoting respect for state institutions. Following concerns raised by Hon. Nenneh Lebbie, the restriction was amended to permit corporate attire that may incorporate trousers or miniskirts. The ban was also extended to visitors.

Michael's commentary intensifies the public discourse surrounding the directive, highlighting the tension between institutional decorum, gender equality, and Parliament's core constitutional mandate of governance and oversight.