By Fatima Kpaka
In a bid to promote gender equality and inclusivity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has in its first meeting of the second session on Thursday, August 8, 2024 approved Mrs Asmaa James, Fatmata Sawaneh and other presidential nominees going as ambassadors and other crucial positions.
The approval of the Presidential Nominees in the well of Parliament witnessed a momentous and highly spirited occasion. This was as a result of prominent personalities including a celebrated and long-standing female journalist in the name of Asmaa James and a well-known grassroots and female leader of the SLPP, who were amongst the Presidential Nominees. Asmaa James was approved as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel while Fatmata Sawaneh was also approved as Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, a neighbouring francophone country.
Prior to the approval of the Nominees, the President for the Women and ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Kadie Sesay thanked H.E President Bio for adhering to the 30 percent representation of women in every decision he makes.
She said that the President made no mistake in appointing Asma James as Deputy Ambassador to Brussel.
Hon. Kadie Sesay said Madam Fatmata Sawaneh absolutely deserved the position as a reward to all her good work.
Hon. Kadie Sesay asserted that deputies should not be seen as irrelevance, adding that they could do absolutely well if given the chance. She urged both Asma James and Fatmata Sawaneh to continue their good work for the people of Sierra Leone. Hon. Kadie Sesay expressed great confidence in both Nominees and all others presented to them for approval. She urged for their approval and wished them well in their endeavours. The Hon. Women Leader ended up singing the women’s song which resonates for the freedom of women.
Devoid of political lens, Hon. Abdul Latif Sesay, an Opposition MP representing the people of Port Loko got attracted by the Presidential Nominees and made positive contributions, expressing their outstanding impacts, particularly of the female Nominees.