The Parliament of Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus Leadership and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Wednesday 28/08/2024; concluded a three-day recruitment session of Mentors on effective mentoring techniques and ethical considerations. The event was held at the West End Palace, Aberdeen Beach, Freetown.
This initiative aims to support the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in developing and implementing a regional female mentorship program and fostering leadership development for female youths across all five regions. The workshop’s primary goal is to set up a better system for recruiting mentees, empower female Parliamentarians, and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become effective mentors to their mentees.
In her virtual statement, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, Hon. Wuyata Songa, underscored that the training is a transformative era, following the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act 2022. She appealed to Female Members of Parliament to embrace mentees seeking mentorship. She added that the training was not just an initiative, but a commitment to nurturing the few challenges of the country by equipping themselves with techniques and ethical considerations and positioning themselves to inspire the young girls, who possess the potential to attain leadership, particularly in the political sphere.
The President of the Female Caucus continued that the initiative was to foster an environment where young girls feel equal to their male counterparts. She called on everyone to seize this opportunity to catch the young girls and show them resilience and courage to assume leadership positions. She assured that together, they could cultivate a generation of women, who would not only lead but champion the principle of equality and empowerment for all.
“It is, therefore, important as we embark on this three-day training that we stand to encourage and give the needed mentorship to our young girls. I therefore wish you fruitful deliberations”, she concluded.
The Principal Head of Programmes in the House of Parliament, Edward Massaquoi, acknowledged that mentorship in leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s also about being open to receiving guidance. He said this dual role helps leaders stay grounded, fosters continuous learning, and builds a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. He added that mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership development, providing aspiring leaders with guidance, support, and valuable insights. He said a mentor shares their knowledge and experiences to help mentees grow and excel in their roles. He noted that one of the primary roles of a leadership development mentor is to provide guidance and support to mentees.
Having already navigated the challenges and complexities of leadership themselves, he continued that they would help mentees identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. He added that mentors also provide emotional support, offering a safe space for mentees to share their concerns, doubts, and fears with someone who could relate. This support is invaluable in building mentees’ confidence and resilience, enabling them to face challenges head-on and grow as leaders.
“In the journey of leadership, mentorship plays a pivotal role. It’s a two-way street, where mutual benefits and impact are profound. This training delved into why every leader should seek mentorship and offer it, creating a cycle of continuous learning and growth. It’s important to remember that mentors invest their time and energy to help others, often expecting nothing in return. Therefore, expressing gratitude and thankfulness towards mentors is a sign of respect and a reminder of the invaluable role they played in our lives”, he said.
Edward Massaquoi furthered that many great leaders and role models have credited their success to the guidance and support of their mentors. “It’s a humbling reminder that even the most accomplished individuals didn’t get to where they are today alone. They had someone who believed in them, challenged them, and ultimately helped them to achieve their full potential. So, we must appreciate our mentors and let them know how much we value their presence in our journey”, he concluded.
Alie B. Sesay, the senior rule of law officer at the UNDP, recalled that over the years, the UNDP partnered with Parliament and the Government of Sierra Leone to promote development in Sierra Leone. He said the collaboration between Parliament and UNDP would enhance capacity-building and create opportunities for mentorship for young girls. He acknowledged that mentorship in leadership positions is critical, which was the reason he encouraged Members of Parliament to intensify that drive for young girls. The Principal Public Relations Officer, Augustine Samba, moderated the first session.
Various topics including Skills Development and Learning, Organizational Alignment, Mentee Goals, Organizational Objectives, and Mentor Intervention, among others, were taught at the event.
