AYV News, August 25, 2023

Over forty leading women’s groups in Sierra Leone have condemned the recent gender insensitive remarks made over social media against First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio by one Dr. John Idriss Lahai.

The women in a joint press statement said Dr. Lahai’s posting of private pictures, his comments about the first lady’s facial features, his suggestion that the first lady is using a vanity age and his inappropriate slurring of her past life as a successful movie actress, are all unwelcoming for our society’s strides to elevate the collective psyche of our women.

They say the recent gender insensitive remarks made over social media against leading Sierra Leone women, especially the deeply offensive 21st August 2023 remarks by Dr. Lahai regarding the legislative representation of elected female Members of Parliament and Dr. Lahai’s persistent cyber-bullying of the first lady.

“While we respect the right to express differing opinions, we advocate for a respectful and inclusive dialogue that prioritizes solutions and suggests reforms. We hereby denounce all gender insensitive personal attacks. Constructive discourse is rooted in mutual respect in a supportive environment.

“Dr. Lahai’s posting of private pictures, his comments about the First Lady’s facial features, his suggestion that the First Lady is using a vanity age and his inappropriate slurring of her past life as a successful movie actress, are all unwelcoming for our society’s strides to elevate the collective psyche of our Women.

“Furthermore, Dr. Lahai’s very insensitive comments against some of the eminent Women who, in a positive and unprecedented manner, have been elected in large numbers to Parliament are regrettable. His lampooning of recent enacted Laws that ensured more Women were elected to become Members of Parliament is hereby denounced in the strongest possible terms.

“Such Laws have been adopted in numerous democratic nations worldwide, including our own, to ensure that Parliament is a diverse representation of our society. This approach embodies the principles of inclusivity and democracy by affording a platform to various segments of our population.

“Acknowledging the varying levels of expertise and experience among MPs, it is vital to recognize that academic qualifications are not the sole measure of effective leadership or representation. MPs come from various backgrounds, contributing diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences to the legislative process. This diversity enhances the comprehensiveness of our decision-making.

“Research shows that derogatory comments harass the self-confidence of Women and stifle their voices. This is not the first time that Dr. John Idriss Lahai has engaged in such behavior against esteemed Women of Sierra Leone. We hereby call on women who are his family members or are closely associated with Dr. Lahai, to help by privately counseling him to seek higher standards.

“In our pursuit of progress, we urge all stakeholders to foster dialogue that promotes empathy and mutual respect. As women’s organizations, we advocate for diverse opinions to be debated with civility and integrity.

“Finally, we call on all leaders, pundits and citizens to focus on pertinent issues and work collectively to find common ground through respectful dialogue.

Names of Women’s organizations:

1 Women’s Forum Sierra Leone – Sally N. Adams (National President)

2 Women in the Media Sierra Leone – Eastina Taylor (President)

3 Mano River Women’s Peace network (MARWOPNET) – Gladys Hastings Spaine (PRO)

4 Women’s Development Association – Martha C. Kanagbo (Proprietress)

5 National Committee of Network on Peace and Security for Women in the ECOWAS Region (NOPSWECO) – Jamestina Bull (President)

6 Young Women Advocacy Network (YOWAN)

– Madeline Allia (President)

7 Chedocom Women’s Association

– Cecilia A. Bangura

8 Accord 97 –             Gladys Hastings Spaine (PRO)

9 Peoples Foundation for Humanity Development – Dr. Lauretta Will Sillah

10 Future Development Foundation – Gloria Hassan Kamara

11 Women and Girls Initiative – Christina Sagba

12 Women and Sports Commission – Mrs. Pamela Williams

13 Progressive Women Sierra Leone (BO) – Rassie Bah President

14 People’s Right Integrity and Dignity Empowerment (PRIDE-SL, BO) – Diana Veronica Fillie

15 Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative (BO) – Isatu Seisay

16 Community Awareness Development Organization (BO) – Eunice Samba

17 African Women Leaders Network (BO) – Patricia A.S.V Junisa

18 Young Women Christian Association (BO) – Aisha Kergbo

19 Informal Workers Organization – Alima Hero

20 Skyy Women’s World Network – Rev. Hannah M. Gillen

21 Council of Churches Female Clergy – Rev. Hannah M. Gillen

22 Alhulbyait Islamic Women Organization – Haja Yeama Ahmed

23 Bambaratong Women Organization – Juliet Anderson

24 Lumpa Development Women’s Organization –            Fatmata Beatrice Lebbie

25 Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WAADO) – Doris Fatima Webber (District Coordinator)

26 Mammy’s Penny – Judith Yeama Harleston

27 Dorwontory Organization for the Aged (DoFA) – Doreen Barrie

28 Eve’s Foundation – Adama Bangura

29 Falaba District Women’s Association – Fatmata Turay (Vice President 2)

30 Portloko Women’s Forum for Progress – Mariatu Songu Kanu (Regional Coordinator)

31 Pujehun District Women’s Development Association             Mamawa Kaikai – (District Coordinator)

32 Women’s Forum Diaspora Chapter – Paulina Musa

33 Women of Wanjama, Pujehun – Josephine P Sowa

34 50/50 Western Rural – Rev. Hannah M. GGillen (Coordinator)

35 50/50 Pujehun – Catherine B. Bureh

36 Ngogeila Women’s Group, Gobaru – Hawa B. Swaray

37 CISMAT, Pujehun – Martha E. Conteh

38 Voice of Women Advocacy Network Mattru – Sarah Rogers (Coordinator)

39 United Community Organization, Bombali – Kadiatu Sesay (Coordinator)

40 Women’s Forum Bombali – Marie M.K. Thullah (Coordinator)