Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt, on behalf of First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has launched the All Political Party Women Association (APPWA) strategic plan 2023-2026 at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.

The APPWA strategic plan was conceived by Executive Members in a participatory approach during a three-day retreat in December 2022 with support from UN Women.

APPWA’s primary objective is to promote women’s empowerment and political participation. It also seeks to play an essential role in encouraging political dialogue and cooperation among all political parties and promoting political tolerance and non-violence.

Launching the strategic plan on behalf of the first lady, Hon. Pratt expressed delight at giving the keynote address and also launching APPWA strategic plan.

She explained that the Strategic Plan provides an opportunity for the organisation to build its human and infrastructural resources.

“We have witnessed decades of deprivation, lack of inclusivity, education, training and political will in providing the space for equal opportunities and gender parity, but I thank President Bio for passing the gender bill into law which is the catalyst for commitment and political will to commence the journey of actual legislative promotion of women participation in politics and achieving gender equity,” she said.

The minister also commented on the political history of Sierra Leone and the role played by women in the protection of their territories against other antagonizing warring ethnic groups.

She also mentioned the challenges faced by women leaders and proffered solutions in addressing those obstacles.

She concluded by emphasising that women’s engagement in politics is critical for successful governance, whiles on behalf of First Lady Dr. Bio, congratulated APPWA for the development of the Strategic Plan and encouraged all donors and partners to continue supporting APPWA.