Female Parliamentary Caucus in collaboration with International IDEA with funding from the European Union, has held a two day engagement from the 15-16 June 2025, with selected caucus and civil society organizations members in Kenema City.

The training aimed at strengthening participants to understand the Parliamentary Standing Orders and enhancing accountability for the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.

Speaking at the opening session, the Country Director of International IDEA, Dr. Mamoud Bah reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and governance in Sierra Leone.

He emphasized that International IDEA’s core mandate is to support democracy and inclusive political processes. Dr. Bah said the organization had played a central role in the facilitation of the 2023 Tripartite Agreement. He disclosed that preparations were underway for the implementation of its key recommendations, including reforms within the legislative sector.

The President of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, Hon.. Wuyatta Songa, in her address, highlighted the importance of reforming parliamentary procedures to reflect gender equity.

She explained that the training was timely and essential, as it provided a platform for female MPs to engage critically with the standing orders and push for amendments that promote inclusivity, participation, and gender-responsive govern.

The training forms part of the ongoing efforts to align parliamentary practices with the objectives of the GEWE Act and to equip female legislators with the tools to identify gender gaps in existing procedures and propose actionable reforms.

Participants are expected to emerge from the session with better preparedness to advocate for legislative changes that foster a more inclusive and parliamentary representation.