By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — As the world marks International Women’s Day under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has urged Sierra Leone to confront systemic barriers that continue to sideline women with disabilities from leadership and governance.
NCPD Chairman Brima A. Sheriff highlighted the daily struggles faced by women with disabilities, including heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation, harmful practices such as “night husbands,” and limited access to justice and healthcare. He stressed that exclusion from economic opportunities and empowerment programmes further entrenches inequality.
“Their absence in leadership is not a reflection of limited capability, but of systemic barriers that silence their voices where their contributions are most needed,” Sheriff stated.
While acknowledging progress made through the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 and recent appointments of women in government, the Commission emphasized that reforms must deliberately include women with disabilities. It called on the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to ensure that the 30% GEWE quota explicitly protects representation for women with disabilities.
The NCPD also urged the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and political parties to go beyond symbolic gestures by nominating women with disabilities for substantive leadership roles, making party systems accessible, and safeguarding them against political violence.
“Equality is not achieved by intention but by design,” the statement declared, insisting that women with disabilities must be recognized as leaders, innovators, and central actors in nation-building.
As Sierra Leone celebrates International Women’s Day, the NCPD’s message is clear: the nation’s democratic and development processes will only be truly inclusive when women with disabilities