Project Problem

More than 50% of the world’s population are women. Despite the significant role women play in societies, it is evident that patriarchy in politics, lack of resources, and support for young women to assume leadership roles limit their participation in politics and. Societal expectations and stereotypes, cultural practices, low education levels, poverty, insecurity and gender based violence undermine young women’s political aspirations. Young women are underrepresented as voters, political leaders and elected officials in every region of Sierra Leone.

Political parties are the institutions to promote women’s political leadership and access to elected office. Unfortunately, their structures, policies, practices and values negatively affect women’s participation in decision making, governance and politics. Young women lack influence in party policies and platforms’ development. There is limited representation of women on executive bodies in political parties, and there is serious marginalization of women’s wings within parties. Political parties are focused on winning elections and because young women have not been part of the formation and management of political processes and structures for so long, and due to low financial contributions that young women make to political parties, it is considered risky to promote young women’s participation in governance.

Despite these obstacles, young women in Sierra Leone exhibit confidence and determination to overcome barriers to enhance responsible citizenship, dignified living, inclusive and good governance. It is critical to raise awareness among young women aspiring politicians, and other members of the Sierra Leone society to promote understanding and address stereotypes that continue to ensure few young women succeed in the political arena. To bring about a more inclusive, responsive and responsible societies, it is important to work with young women to influence and change the entrenched idea that only men have to be leaders. It is important to remind society and that of men that women’s political participation has profound positive and democratic impacts on communities, legislatures, political parties, and citizen’s lives, and helps democracy deliver. In order to meet worldwide development goals and to build strong, sustainable democracies, young women must be encouraged, empowered and supported in becoming strong political and community leaders. It is against this background that this action is proposed to disrupt, dismantle and contain the limiting factors of young women’s participation in decision making, governance and politics.