By Sulaiman Jalloh
Hon. Ibrahim Barrie of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party representing the people of Bombali district, Northern Sierra Leone has participated in a two-day (25-26 February 2025) women’s empowerment and Youth leadership in ECOWAS and the Sahel, Dakar, Senegal.
The two-day Regional Dialogue on Women & Youth Leadership in ECOWAS & the Sahel, was organized by International IDEA with support from the European Union under the WYDE – Women’s Leadership Initiative in Dakar, Senegal.
The insightful and impactful engagement brought together 30 inspiring women and men from 13 anglophone and francophone countries to discuss the systemic challenges that limit women and youth in political participation and leadership roles.
Hon. Barrie’s participation as a young Member of Parliament from Sierra Leone, underscores his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and Youth advocacy in his country and region as a whole.
Hon. Ibrahim Barrie known for his strong advocacy to the eradication of drugs mainly ‘Kush’ in Sierra Leone, shared his personal journey to breaking barriers in politics and strategies needed to create more inclusive leadership spaces.
The lawmaker used the platform to call on young people in the region to take up responsibility and not to take part in violence. “Together, we are debunking restrictive social norms and shaping a future where women and youth have an equal voice in leadership and decision-making” he posted on his social media handle (Facebook) while thanking the organizers of the event.
“My Sierra Leonean colleague, Badriatu Turay, also shared her experience working in electoral processes and highlighted the challenges women face, including intimidation, and how to overcome them” he added.
The event focuses on the ECOWAS and Sahel regional status on Women and Youth Political participation and representation in leadership and decision making at all levels. Intersectionality of gender norms on political participation and representation by exploring how gendered social norms influence practices, behaviours, limit opportunities and ultimately the participation of Women and youth in leadership and decision making at all levels.