By Mohamed Kamara
Madam Isatu Kamara, Chairperson of the All People’s Congress (APC) for the Southern Region, has expressed her discontent with her party’s gender representation, citing the selection of only two women out of 160 chairpersons nationwide.
Speaking at the APC women’s convention held at the party headquarters on Old Railway Line in Freetown, Madam Kamara emphasized that the party’s decision to favor men over women in district and regional leadership roles is a significant violation of the Gender Act passed by Parliament in 2022.
Her remarks sparked considerable controversy among party members, with many women voicing their frustrations. Some argued that the predominance of male appointments is not due to a commitment to electoral success but rather to favoritism and bribery. They pointed out that women have consistently demonstrated greater turnout and solidarity during election campaigns and various party events.
“If the APC aims to win the elections in 2028, it must empower women equally to men,” Madam Isatu asserted. She called for immediate reforms to ensure that women are adequately represented in the party’s leadership, highlighting the need for genuine commitment to gender equality.
As discussions on gender representation continue within the party, the call for equitable leadership remains a pressing issue as Sierra Leone approaches the next electoral cycle.
