Women Advocate for More Empowerment
By Alpha Kargbo

July 15, 2005– (The Independent) The Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NEWMAP) in Sierra Leone are making significant strides to improve the welfare and status of women in the country.

They are also currently collaborating with the Mano River Peace Network (MARWOPNET) that involves Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

On Friday July 8 2005, NEWMAP hosted MAWOPNET delegates at Posseh's Guest House, West of the capital Freetown. The president of NEWMAP and Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs in Sierra Leone Mrs. Shirley Gbujama emphasized that women need to participate in the highest level of decision-making in the country. She said women, especially in Africa, have little or nothing to say in decision-making processes.

The women resolved that: they would strive to enhance a reduction in the rate of maternal mortality, gender-based violence, promote women's legal rights, protection from all forms of discrimination, ensure that adolescent girls and women have the knowledge and means to prevent HIV infection and promote zero tolerance of all forms of violence against women and girls.

"Also, the network must urgently advocate for the elimination of harmful traditional practices which have negative effects on children and mothers," Shirley Gbujama said.

Shirley Gbujama welcomed Board Members of the Mano River Women Peace Network (MARWOPNET) from Guinea and Liberia. She commended them for the role they played in restoring peace in neighboring Liberia. She urged them to formulate projects that would improve the status of women in the three countries.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Sierra Leone and treasurer of the Network of Women Ministers and Parliamentarians (NEWMAP) Mrs. Elizabeth Alpha -Lavalie briefed members on gender-based advocacy discussed at a conference in Gabon last November. She said eight goals were targeted: that included poverty and hunger eradication, achieving universal primary and secondary education, reducing child mortality and control of HIV/AIDS and Malaria. She urged them to concertedly work to achieve the goals.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200507150334.html