During this year’s European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) 8th webinar, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Brussels, Mrs. Asmaa James, highlighted the country’s advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The event is part of the commemoration of the International Women’s Day and was themed *”Women Shaping Global Politics.”* It aimed to explore the current state of gender equality in politics and diplomacy worldwide, discuss strategies for overcoming barriers to women’s leadership, and examine the role of global collaboration in achieving gender equality.
In her statement, the Deputy Ambassador emphasized the progress made by the current government under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in prioritizing women’s interests. This commitment, she added, extends to national decision-making platforms and to the global stage, where efforts are being made to influence international discussions.
Mrs. James pointed out that the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE), signed into law by President Bio in 2023, empowers women by mandating a minimum of 30% representation in Parliament, the Cabinet, and other institutions. She added that the law aligns with international women’s rights frameworks, ensuring equal access to employment and leadership roles while also improving maternity leave provisions.
As a result of the Act, she highlighted that women now hold *30.4% of the seats in Parliament, up from 14.5% in 2018, marking a historic high*. Additionally, more women are serving as ministers, deputy ministers, and ambassadors than ever before, reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality programs.
As an alumna of the Webinar, the Deputy Ambassador remarked that *the lifelong networks she has built through the program continue to enrich her personal and professional journey*.
The Deputy Ambassador was honored to participate in a panel discussion with Ms. Julia Koch-De Biolley, Head of the EEAS Task Force on Gender and Diversity at the European External Action Service; Ms. Udani Gunawardena (Alumna 2017, Sri Lanka), Director of the East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.
Ms. Anush Harutyunyan (Alumna 2023, Armenia), Head of the Division of Information and Digital Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; and Ms. Zolzaya Batkhuyag (Alumna 2024, Mongolia), Co-Founder of Women for Change (NGO), founder of the Women’s Political Leadership Program, and of Mongolia’s first women’s stand-up comedy crew, “Big Sistas.”
