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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has announced a new dress code policy, banning women from wearing trousers and miniskirts to parliamentary proceedings.
The directive, which came into effect immediately, has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers and staff in the well of Sierra Leone parliament.
Addressing the chamber, Deputy Speaker Conteh emphasized that the new policy was part of an effort to uphold the dignity and respect of state institutions.
“From today onwards, whether you are clerks at the tables or staff in Parliament… if you are a lady, don’t enter the chamber with trousers or miniskirts,” Conteh stated firmly.
He described the practice of wearing trousers and miniskirts to Parliament as “disrespectful,” arguing that such attire undermines the institution’s prestige.
“If we don’t respect our institutions, how would people treat us?” he asked, underlining the importance of respecting the parliamentary environment.
The dress code ban has been extended not only to Parliament staff but also to visitors attending proceedings. Conteh made it clear that even visitors to the gallery would be required to adhere to the new dress restrictions.
“Even to strangers, if your trousers are not corporate-suited, don’t bring them to the Well,” he declared.
However, the Deputy Speaker’s announcement has raised concerns among some members of Parliament. Hon. Nenneh Lebbie, who represents Bo District, urged Conteh to consider allowing corporate dressing, which often includes trousers or miniskirts, as an exemption.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the concern, and an amendment was made to permit corporate dressing in these specific cases.
The dress code restriction is expected to apply to all women entering the parliamentary chamber, including staff and visitors, unless they are dressed in corporate attire that meets the Deputy Speaker’s new guidelines.
