The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) has issued a strong call to all political parties in Sierra Leone to adopt and implement clear internal strategies to meet the minimum 30% quota for women’s representation in executive leadership, as mandated by law.
The statement follows the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s (SLPP) recently concluded 14th National Delegates Conference, held on July 30 and 31, 2025, where 15 key national executive positions were contested. While CGG commended the transparent conduct of the process and congratulated the two women elected as Deputy Organizing Secretary and Treasurer, the organization expressed disappointment that the overall outcome did not meet the gender representation standards outlined in the Political Parties Act of 2022.
Specifically, CGG referenced Part IX, Section 42 of the Act, which stipulates that political parties “may have at least 30% placement of women in executive positions from ward to national level.” The group emphasized that the current SLPP executive, like many before it, falls short of this benchmark — signaling a broader failure by political parties to implement gender reforms enshrined in both the Public Elections Act (2022) and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act (2022).
“Despite progressive legislation and repeated calls for inclusivity, political parties continue to lag in promoting women to leadership roles,” CGG stated. “This issue has remained unaddressed since 2004 when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report flagged it as a major concern.”
CGG is urging all political parties to review or formulate gender policies that reflect existing legal frameworks and to revise nomination procedures to guarantee space for women within leadership structures. The organization insists that voluntary inaction is no longer acceptable and that parties must take deliberate steps to advance gender inclusion.
“Women’s representation is not just a legal requirement — it is a democratic imperative,” CGG asserted. “Without integrating the perspectives of half the population, Sierra Leone cannot achieve sustainable development or inclusive governance.”
CGG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government, political parties, civil society, and other stakeholders in transforming legal commitments into practical outcomes that ensure women have equitable access to political leadership and decision-making roles.
