First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio and Hon. Alusine Kanneh
At the 5th Annual National Prestigious Awards and Fund Raising Dinner, the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh, received a prestigious award from Womens’Forum Sierra Leone, on the Theme: ‘Making the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act Work for a Better Sierra Leone.’
After receiving the award, the Immigration Boss said he was deeply humbled and honoured to have received this award, adding that it means the world to him to be recognized for his hard work and dedication.
“I will continue to strive for excellence in all that I do, and use this recognition as a motivation to accomplish even more. I am beyond grateful for this award, even if it means I will have to find a bigger hat to hold all the compliments. I never thought I would be winning awards for doing something I genuinely love, but here I am. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for recognizing my talents and making me feel so appreciated” the CIO affirmed. He said he was almost speechless and overwhelmed luckily, he added, he was never at a loss for words. He thanked them so much for this award, which he said he would cherish like a rare gem, or at least an extra-fancy coffee mug. “I’m honoured to be recognized for something I truly love doing and if there’s any chance of a cash prize,” he said.
Giving the overview of the Women’s Forum, the National President for the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, Sally Ndimawa Adams, hailed the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, for championing women and girls issues, disclosing that Women’s Forum Sierra Leone has over three hundred women’s organizations across the country.
According to the President, this year’s celebration is focusing on gender empowerment and national development. Sally Ndimawa Adams also noted that the Gender Empowerment Act is a luck for all Sierra Leoneans because it was a very challenging moment, but encouraged all women’s organizations that such selected individuals and institutions that have contributed towards women and girls’ empowerment, must be recognized and appreciated, adding that they see it as a gigantic pathway towards development.
Melrose Kaminty, Women’s Forum Board Chair, elated that the passing of the 30% Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act was successful because of the passion and support that was given by the Members of Parliament. She thanked President Bio and his dear wife, First Lady, Madam Fatima, and all stakeholders for their support, furthering that the passing of the Act was a very national development base and security issue.
The Women’s Forum Board Chair underscored that today there are more women in the corridors of power and that one of the greatest assets that they would enjoy today is peace and security.
Giving the keynote address, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, thanked the organizers of the event, sounding that from the support she has received from different women’s organisations in the fight against rape, they have been able to address some of the most challenging issues about women. The First Lady pointed out that the fight no longer permits anyone to go about abusing women and girls because they are afraid of the stringent laws put in place. The ‘Hands off Our Girls’ campaign, she added, since it was launched by the President there is now a sexually offensive modern court that deals with sexual offence matters.
“The enactment of the GEWE Act puts the country’s ice on the nail. We are now the envy of the majority of other countries around the world. While we are happy and shouting all over about the significant progress we’ve made in putting into law the issues that have been holding us back from total participation, inclusion and expression in all aspects of development from the homes, schools, communities, the workplace and in governance” she said.
She furthered that the most challenging part for them, starts from now, whether by nature or otherwise as women they have their internal and social demons which they must respect. She noted that their career pursuit is often scratched by customs and traditions, cultural extension from access to resources, and now the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act makes it very tough for people.
