Giving an overview of the organization, the chairperson of the network Madam Hossinatu Koroma said: “The association started its operation in October 2017, with a vision, mission and shared values to support, inspire, mentor, develop and network with women and girls residing in the Northern District of Sierra Leone.”
She went on to say that as a network, they have developed four key strategies that will enhance girl child education and women’s participation in socio-economic development leading to sustained empowerment.
“These four strategic areas are: providing quality education and vocational training for women and girls in the North, establishing mentorship; guidance and counseling programs that will empower children for their future careers; embarking on advocacy drives on the protection of legal instruments on gender and fostering agricultural production that will provide job opportunities and economic growth for women and girls in the North,” she further disclosed.
Making a statement on behalf of the 50/50 Group, the Vice President Ninie Unachukwu said “Women are bedrock in society and whenever women attain their rightful positions in governance and other structures, success is always achieved.
The Southern Province Women’s Network Representative Madam Naasu Fofanah said she is very happy for the establishment of a women’s group in the north that will champion the general cause of women and girls. “Women must not shy away from politics and governance. It is when we come forward and take leadership positions that our decision-making will be stronger,” she added. She further said with solidarity and inclusiveness of women come 2023, the dream of seeing women serve as first president or vice president of Sierra Leone will be achieved.
“As a government, we will give our full support to the network and we will stand by you,” Dr. Juldeh said and asked that the group works with the former CNN anchor Isha Sesaywho is in the process of building a headquarter for girls’ leadership programs in Freetown and for them to also support the First Lady in her Hands off Our Girls campaign.
