Following debates, consultations and amendments, the Parliament of Sierra Leone yesterday 15th November 2022 enacted into law, the Bill entitled “The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022”, for the development of Sierra Leone.

The Bill seeks to address the gender imbalance by making provisions for increased women’s participation in politics, to level the ground for gender equality in employment and training.

The Bill went through proper scrutiny, amendments, public consultations with partners and civil societies amongst others, before it was passed into law.

This historic piece of legislation reaffirms President Bio’s commitment to placing women at the center of the decision-making process.

However, the House of Parliament became a thunderstorm when lawmakers were debating the ‘’Public Elections Act, 2022” a few months ago.

Opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Members of Parliament were skeptical and urged that the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill must have been tabled before the House earlier than the Public Elections Act, 2022.

The enactment of the Public Elections Act, of 2022, is an additional value to His Excellency’s democratic credentials in managing the affairs of Sierra Leone.

As the Bill was enacted, women who sell cookery were not left out this time. With this new legislation, at least 30% representation in cabinet, 30% representation in Parliament, 30% of all appointments in Local Councils, Ambassadorial, and a lot more have been approved for the women in Sierra Leone to provide a level ground for women’s participation in politics and other leadership positions in society.

Within the Bill enacted, maternity leave for lactating mothers is extended from 12 weeks to 14 weeks, gender-responsive and sensitive budgeting, and creation of a multi-sectoral gender steering committee to oversee the implementation of the Act were all included in this gender empowerment act 2022.

This among other reasons displays President Bio’s enormous respect for the women of Sierra Leone.

The Speaker of Parliament said in his felicitation that history has been made by the current Parliament and by the Government led by President Maada Bio and especially acknowledged President Bio for the support towards women in attaining gender equality. He thanked all whose support made the achievement possible. He expressed hope for the implementation of the law.

Several Women’s civil society organizations observed the Parliamentary proceeding