Brussels, 5th March 2025—During the 8th European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) webinar, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Brussels, Mrs. Asmaa James, highlighted the country’s advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event, part of the International Women’s Day commemoration, was themed “Women Shaping Global Politics.” It aimed to explore the current state of gender equality in politics and diplomacy worldwide, discuss strategies for overcoming barriers to women’s leadership, and examine the role of global collaboration in achieving gender equality.
Progress in Gender Equality
In her statement, Deputy Ambassador James emphasized the progress made by the current government under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in prioritizing women’s interests. This commitment extends to national decision-making platforms and the global stage, where efforts are being made to influence international discussions.
Mrs. James highlighted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE), signed into law by President Bio in 2023, that mandates a minimum of 30% representation for women in Parliament, the Cabinet, and other institutions. The law aligns with international women’s rights frameworks, ensuring equal access to employment and leadership roles, while also improving maternity leave provisions.
As a result of the Act, women now hold 30.4% of the seats in Parliament, up from 14.5% in 2018, marking a historic high. Additionally, more women are serving as ministers, deputy ministers, and ambassadors than ever before, reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality programs.
Personal and Professional Growth
As an alumna of the EUVP, Deputy Ambassador James remarked that the lifelong networks she has built through the program continue to enrich her personal and professional journey.
The Deputy Ambassador participated in a panel discussion with notable figures, including:
- Ms. Julia Koch-De Biolley, Head of the EEAS Task Force on Gender and Diversity at the European External Action Service
- Ms. Udani Gunawardena (Alumna 2017, Sri Lanka), Director of the East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
- Ms. Anush Harutyunyan (Alumna 2023, Armenia), Head of the Division of Information and Digital Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
- Ms. Zolzaya Batkhuyag (Alumna 2024, Mongolia), Co-Founder of Women for Change (NGO), founder of the Women’s Political Leadership Program, and of Mongolia’s first women’s stand-up comedy crew, “Big Sistas”
For More Enquiries
Contact:
Betty Milton Information Attaché Sierra Leone Embassy, Brussels