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Clause 3.3.2 of the SLPP Manifesto pledged to increase the chances of women in politics through an amendment of the 1991 constitution by making it mandatory for all political parties to enact gender policies that will specify the threshold for women in executive positions and local councils and Parliament.
Known for his “TOK N DO”, President Julius Maada Bio’s Government have given the women of Sierra Leone a legal framework that guides their inclusion in governance and other aspects through the passing of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).
In July 2010 whilst opposition, the SLPP launched its Gender Policy. In governance in 2020, President Bio launched a gender policy designed to serve as a reference point for addressing gender issues and inequalities in Sierra Leone. This shows how President Bio takes gender issues as one of his cardinal human rights successes.
The women of Sierra Leone make up half of the population but their numbers before the SLPP came to power, failed to be reflected in key areas such as literacy, economic empowerment and decision-making, and political participation and leadership.
Over the years, strides have been made by President Julius Maada Bio in the areas of reforms, increased gender awareness and the sexual offenses Act to prevent Gender Based Violence.
The implementation of Free Quality School Education provides a unique opportunity for many more girls to complete secondary school.
Even before the GEWE bill, President Bio increased the number of women in executive positions in government, more female Ministers in cabinet and the diplomatic services, and preferred recruitment of women into the forces.
What the GEWE Bill seeks to achieve is to improve women’s access to political leadership and decision-making at all
levels and encourage sectorial ministries to ensure the integration of gender-oriented goals into fiscal policies, processes, and programs and meaningful resource allocation focusing on women’s needs.
It is only President Bio that can give women a 30% quota in public positions/jobs; 30% in private companies; 14 weeks of maternity leave; financial inclusion for women; gender mainstreaming across the board and gender-responsive budgeting.
