During the weekly press conference, the Fifty-Fifty Group, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), and other concerned organizations jointly condemned the recent attacks on female politicians vying for Section Chief positions in Namiyama Chiefdom, Kono District.

Professor Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, President of the Fifty-Fifty Group, read a joint statement expressing grave concern over a social media post dated June 18th, 2024, titled “Threats against female candidates’ rights to participate in village chieftaincy elections in Kono.”

The statement detailed incidents of intimidation against a qualified female candidate seeking to contest the Section Chief position in her community. “We have learned of attempts by youth factions to obstruct her candidacy, reportedly supported by individuals in the diaspora. We call upon all stakeholders to ensure that female candidates can participate in elections without fear for their safety,” M’Cormack-Hale emphasized.

The organizations highlighted that such threats are alarming given Sierra Leone’s legislative strides towards gender equality, including the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022. Sahr Kendema of CGG stressed the critical role of women in politics, advocating for an environment where they can thrive without intimidation. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim (PhD), representing the 50/50 Group, acknowledged historical challenges faced by women in Sierra Leonean politics but emphasized the need to end such practices.

Brima Mansaray of SEND Sierra Leone denounced the attacks, noting their detrimental impact on women’s representation and participation, a matter of utmost seriousness. In efforts to safeguard female candidates, the organizations called on stakeholders to ensure their security and that of their families, providing necessary protection as they campaign.

They urged all involved in the electoral process to uphold a fair and equitable environment, respecting the rights of female candidates to participate without hindrance. The joint statement concluded with a unified call for collective action to support and protect the rights of female politicians in Kono District and across Sierra Leone.