The National Political Debates Committee (NPCD) in partnership with National Democratic Institute (NDI) has on Thursday January 13, 2022, held debate for women of different registered political parties in Sierra Leone at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The debate was held with the topic: “Gender Empowerment Bill 2021: The Role of Political Parties in its enactment and implementations.”
The Chairman of NPCD, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said that the debate would help politicians to prevail and be responsible in their various aspect, adding that the debate would also put citizens in informed position to follow the agenda of politicians.
He added that by organizing debate on policy issues would influence the mindset of citizens on issues such as tribalism, ethnicity and others to improve essential national service delivery in the area of welfare, education, infrastructure, and food security, among others.
“The debate gives us hope to all political parties and different actors to come together and deliver on this important aspect of our democracy as a team,” Nasralla said.
He assured all the NDPC would continue to be non-partisan, independent and respect for one another.
While delating on the topic, Representing the Unity Party, Femi Claudius Cole said to achieve the balance, the Bill should be called the women’s empowerment bill rather that gender empowerment bill.
She added the consultative process on the Bill does not start with political parties, adding that drafter should be aware that empowerment is a continuous process and the views of political parties should be included in the process.
By George M.O.Williams