Chief Minister, Women MPs Push Landmark Gender Reforms for Equality

In a major stride toward gender equality and inclusive governance, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, together with female Members of Parliament (MPs) and civil society advocates, has intensified calls for gender-focused constitutional and electoral reforms aimed at empowering women and strengthening democratic participation.

During a high-level policy dialogue in Freetown, government officials and gender rights campaigners outlined transformative proposals designed to bridge long-standing gender gaps in politics, leadership, and social justice.

Hon. Mariama Saccoh, one of the key advocates for the reforms, revealed that the proposed constitutional amendments include a 30% mandatory quota for women’s political representation across all elected and appointed positions. She added that the reforms would also amend Section 27 of the 1991 Constitution to reinforce non-discrimination clauses, particularly those addressing gender-based inequalities.

According to Saccoh, another critical component of the reform package is the introduction of clear provisions on land and property rights, ensuring that women can own and inherit property on equal terms with men. The proposals further aim to harmonize customary, civil, and Christian marriage laws to guarantee women equal rights in all marital systems.

“These reforms place women and girls at the heart of national legal transformation, ensuring that equality, dignity, and justice are embedded in the foundation of Sierra Leone’s future,” Saccoh affirmed.

Speaking on behalf of Campaigning for Good Governance, Mr. Sahr Kebdema stressed the urgency of adopting these reforms without delay. He called for enforceable rights to health, safety, and universal free basic education for women and girls, as well as a constitutionally mandated 30% representation of women across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.

Kebdema also urged a comprehensive review of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009, which currently restricts women from serving as permanent chiefs in certain communities. Removing these barriers, he said, is vital to achieving true gender parity and inclusive leadership at all governance levels.

“Women’s constitutional recommendations are not just symbolic they are essential, urgent, and must be adopted to ensure equality, representation, and inclusive governance in Sierra Leone,” Kebdema concluded.