By Audrey Raymonda John

The Deaf Women Advocacy Network-Sierra Leone (DWAN-SL), in partnership with “She Leads and Plan International” has held a one-day workshop in Freetown, aimed at empowering deaf women to actively participate in political and decision-making processes in the country.

The event, themed “Enhancing the Participation of Deaf Women in the Political Dispensation and Decision-Making Processes in Freetown and Grafton”, brought together disabled persons, civil society actors, and government representatives to advocate for inclusivity and political empowerment for deaf women.

The Executive Director of DWAN-SL, Madam Musu Kenyer Golley, in her keynote address, highlighted the need for a space within the political arena for deaf women.

“This program is about advocacy and lobbying to authorities to create opportunities for deaf women to actively engage in governance and political affairs in their communities,” she said.

“As a deaf leader, I believe that given the right chance, we can become parliamentarians, councillors, can join political parties, and take on leadership roles in governance,” Golley continued.

“Our voices have been silenced for too long due to systemic discrimination and exclusion,” he said.

DWAN is committed to using every available resource to challenge these barriers and advocate [the disabled, deaf women ] for a more inclusive political climate.”

She emphasized that DWAN-SL is a legitimate and active organization which is determined to be seen and heard.

She also extended her gratitude to She Leads and Plan International for supporting the initiative, thus promising that DWAN-SL will remain a vocal and persistent advocate for deaf women across Sierra Leone.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Kabba F. Bangura, Executive Director of the Disability Awareness Action Group, commended DWAN-SL and its partners for the timely initiative.

He stated that the project underscores the critical need for inclusive governance and leadership development for persons with disabilities.

“Political participation is a right, not a privilege. Persons with disabilities must be able to vote, be voted for, campaign, protest, and engage in national decision-making,” Dr. Bangura said. “Workshops like this are essential in building leadership capacity while preparing individuals for both community-level participation and for national leadership roles.”

Dr. Bangura stressed that while political leadership comes with great responsibility, persons with disabilities must be ready to take up the challenge and prove their capabilities.

DWAN-SL Project Officer, Mr. Solomon Sabondo, provided an overview of the workshop, emphasizing that political participation includes a wide range of actions—from voting and to joining political parties to engaging in civic advocacy and community organizing. “Our goal is to ensure that deaf women are not only included in politics but are recognized as key contributors to democracy and development,” he noted.

Sabondo acknowledged the many barriers deaf women face communication challenges , social stigma, and systemic exclusion.

He argued that while Sierra Leone has strong legal frameworks supporting equality and inclusion—such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, the Child Rights Act of 2007, and the amended Sexual Offences Act of 2019—but implementation still remains so weak.

“Laws alone are not enough.We must push for meaningful enforcement and representation of deaf women within political spaces,” he asserted.

Representing the security sector, Sergeant Isatu M. Bundu of the Local Police Unit expressed that the Sierra Leone Police will continue their support for persons with disabilities.

She urged them to remain law-abiding and peaceful in their pursuit of inclusion, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation.

Deputy Local Headman, Mohamed Bangura, also reiterated his community’s commitment to supporting inclusive governance and welcomed future collaborations with DWAN-SL.

The workshop concluded with group discussions, presentations by participants, and the distribution of gift items. Chairing the event was Mr. Ibrahim S. Dumbuya praised the participants for their enthusiasm and pledged continued support to DWAN-SL’s advocacy initiatives.

As DWAN-SL continues its work; it is clear that the organization is not only building awareness but actively laying the groundwork for the political empowerment of deaf women in Sierra Leone.