By Fatima Kpaka
Kenema, Sierra Leone – Members of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, in collaboration with International IDEA and with funding from the European Union, have participated in a two-day training session aimed at strengthening their understanding of Parliamentary Standing Orders and enhancing accountability for the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
The engagement, held from June 15–16, 2025, brought together female MPs and selected civil society organizations in Kenema City to discuss parliamentary reforms that promote gender inclusivity.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mamoud Bah, Country Director of International IDEA, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and inclusive governance in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the significance of parliamentary reforms and disclosed that preparations were underway to implement recommendations from the 2023 Tripartite Agreement, including legislative sector improvements.
The President of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. Wuyatta Songa, underscored the importance of gender equity in parliamentary procedures. She noted that the training provided an opportunity for female legislators to critically engage with existing standing orders and advocate for amendments that promote inclusive participation and gender-responsive governance.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to align parliamentary practices with the GEWE Act’s objectives, equipping female MPs with the tools to identify gender gaps and propose actionable reforms. Participants are expected to emerge from the session better prepared to advocate for legislative changes that foster a more inclusive parliamentary system.