By Michaella Faith Wright
BY THIS DEED. which is intended to be registered at the office of the Administrator and Registrar-General, Roxy Building, Walpole Street, Freetown. I, the undersigned BUNDU FOFANAH of Johnson Drive, Lumbley Freetown of the Republic of Sierra Leone now or later called BUNDU SULLAH citizen of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
DO HEREBY: For and on behalf of myself, my relatives and the general public wholly renounce relinquish and abandon the use of my former name BUNDU SILLAH in place thereof do assume from the date hereof the name of BUNDU FOFANAH.
For the purpose of evidencing such determination declare that I shall all times hereafter in all records deeds and writings and in all proceedings dealings and transactions as well as private as public and upon all occasions whatsoever use and sign the name of BUNDU FOFANAH as my name in place or and in substitution for my former name BUNU SILLAH.
And I hear by at all times hereafter to designate and address me by such assumed name of BUNDU FOFANAH accordingly.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto subscribed my former name and adopted names of BUNDU SILLAH and BUNDU FOFANAH respectively and affixed my seal this 4th day of April in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, marked a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s economic empowerment by attending the Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN) Conference. This prestigious event, held in collaboration with the Commonwealth Business Women Network (CBWN) and the Government of Sierra Leone, commenced on May 20th and will run through May 22nd, 2024, at the Family Kingdom in Aberdeen. With a central theme focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, and economic empowerment, the conference aims to address critical issues affecting women across Commonwealth nations.
In her opening remarks, Minister Mahoi expressed profound gratitude to all attendees, highlighting the significance of their presence as a testament to a shared commitment to gender inclusivity. “This conference underscores the necessity for collaboration and dedication to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment,” she stated. Her words set the tone for a series of discussions aimed at enhancing the economic participation and empowerment of women through strategic initiatives and policy implementations.
Minister Mahoi’s participation in the CWN Conference is a reflection of the Sierra Leonean government’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality. During her speech, she detailed several pivotal policies and legislative measures designed to empower women, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2020, the GEWE Act 2022, the PPRC Act 2022, the Customary Land Rights Act 2022, and the Employment Act 2023. “These legislative measures are instrumental in paving the way for gender equality and women’s empowerment,” she asserted, urging for continued collaborative efforts to ensure women can thrive in society.
The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2020, for instance, lays the groundwork for creating an inclusive society by addressing systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in economic, political, and social spheres. The GEWE Act 2022 further strengthens these efforts by providing legal backing to initiatives aimed at closing gender gaps and promoting women’s rights. The PPRC Act 2022 and the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 address critical issues related to women’s access to land and political participation, while the Employment Act 2023 focuses on ensuring fair labor practices and equal opportunities in the workplace.
Throughout the conference, participants from various Commonwealth nations are engaging in discussions, workshops, and panel sessions to share insights, experiences, and best practices. These sessions are designed to foster a collaborative environment where stakeholders can develop actionable plans and strategies to support women’s entrepreneurial endeavors and economic empowerment. The emphasis on technology and innovation is particularly pertinent, as digital tools and platforms offer new opportunities for women to start and grow businesses, access markets, and participate in the global economy.
Dr. Mahoi’s advocacy at the CWN Conference highlights the importance of leveraging technology to bridge gender gaps in economic participation. She emphasized that technology can be a powerful enabler for women, providing them with the tools and resources needed to overcome traditional barriers and achieve financial independence. By integrating technology into educational and vocational training programs, women can gain the skills necessary to compete in the digital economy and drive sustainable development.
The conference also serves as a platform for discussing the implementation of policies that promote women’s rights and economic empowerment. Minister Mahoi called for stronger partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. She stressed the need for access to finance, mentorship, and networking opportunities as critical components of a supportive ecosystem for women in business.
As the conference progresses, it continues to be a pivotal event for setting the stage for significant advancements in gender equality and economic opportunities for women. The collective efforts and collaborative spirit demonstrated at the CWN Conference are a testament to the power of unity in achieving common goals. Participants are leaving with renewed energy and a shared commitment to driving forward the agenda of women’s economic empowerment.
Dr. Mahoi’s leadership and proactive approach at the CWN Conference underscore her dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Her efforts are expected to inspire further actions and collaborations across the Commonwealth, driving meaningful change and enhancing the lives of women and girls in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Conclusion
Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi’s participation and advocacy at the Commonwealth Women’s Network Conference highlight Sierra Leone’s dedication to gender equality and the economic empowerment of women. Through collaborative efforts, strategic policies, and the integration of technology, significant strides are being made towards creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive. The ongoing discussions and initiatives at the conference promise to pave the way for further advancements in this crucial area, reinforcing the importance of collective action and sustained commitment to women’s empowerment.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 22nd , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)