By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – January 27, 2026: The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), in partnership with the Parliamentary Female Caucus, has rolled out a Male Allyship Framework aimed at strengthening gender equality and inclusive governance within Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
The initiative was unveiled during a Male Allyship Commitment Meeting held at the Parliament’s New Administrative Conference Hall, bringing together members of the Female Caucus and male MPs to pledge support for gender-responsive parliamentary practices.
Deputy Director of Research, Programmes and Partnerships, Paul Saidu Turay, commended the collaboration between WFD and Parliament, stressing the importance of male involvement in advancing gender equality. He highlighted the framework’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) and explained its strategic objectives, which include promoting the HeForShe agenda and embedding gender mainstreaming in parliamentary governance.
Deputy Leader II of Government Business, Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, praised WFD’s continued support to the Female Caucus, noting that male allyship is critical in ensuring inclusive participation in Parliament. Other MPs, including Hon. Dr. Umpah Sorie Koroma and Hon. Jibrilla Surmoijueh, pledged their commitment to working closely with the Caucus to ensure the framework’s success.
Deputy Chief Whip 1, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, welcomed the initiative and called for stronger involvement of women in parliamentary leadership and activities.
At the close of the programme, male MPs signed an institutional commitment to gender-responsive governance and the implementation of SDG 5.
President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, Hon. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, expressed gratitude to WFD and the male allies for their support. She announced plans to establish a HeForShe Chapter within Parliament, further cementing the institution’s commitment to gender equality.