By Ragan M. Conteh

The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) has issued a strong call to all political parties in Sierra Leone to develop and implement concrete internal strategies aimed at achieving the legally mandated 30% quota for women’s representation in executive positions.

In a press release dated 4th August 2025, CGG expressed concern that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), despite conducting transparent elections during its 14th National Delegates’ Conference held on 30th and 31st July 2025, failed to meet the required minimum threshold for women’s participation in executive leadership. Out of 15 national executive positions contested, only two were won by women specifically, the Deputy Organizing Secretary and Treasurer roles.

CGG emphasized that this outcome falls short of the provisions set out in Part IX, Section 42 of the Political Parties Act, which mandates that “a political party may have at least 30% placement of women in executive positions from ward to national level.” The organization noted that the low representation of women also signals a broader setback to the gains made under the Public Elections Act 2022 and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022.

“Political parties are key gatekeepers in our democratic process and must lead by example,” the statement read. CGG reminded parties that the issue of women’s underrepresentation has been a long-standing concern, dating back to 2004 when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified it as a critical area for reform. Despite this, CGG noted, voluntary reforms have been lacking.

The organization is now urging all political parties to urgently review and revise their gender policies. Where such policies do not exist, CGG recommends that parties formulate progressive internal guidelines that align with national gender laws. These should include transparent and inclusive nomination procedures that ensure more women can access and maintain leadership positions within party structures.

“Only through such deliberate actions,” CGG stated, “will women be able to enter, stay in, and inspire others to join political leadership roles.”

CGG further argued that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without incorporating the perspectives and participation of women who constitute half of the country’s population in decision-making processes at all levels.

“Genuine inclusion of women is not just a legal requirement; it is a democratic necessity,” the organization asserted.

In closing, CGG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government of Sierra Leone, political parties, civil society, and stakeholders to ensure that gender equality provisions are translated from law into live realities within democratic institutions.