President of Sierra Leone Bar Association, Joseph F. Kamara

The Bar Association expresses support for International Women’s Day-2010

BAR ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE:

The Sierra Leone Bar Association congratulate Women, all around the World, particularly our mothers, sisters and children of Sierra Leone, as they celebrate yet another epoch of International Women’s Day.

The year 2010 is a milestone for gender equality and women’s rights, as it marks the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action as well as the 10th anniversary of the Millennium Declaration and Security Council resolution 1325, both instruments highlighted the plight of women and girls in conflict situations and the role played by women in prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as peacekeeping, peace-building, reconciliation and reconstruction.

However, enormous challenges continue to face Women as a result of labor and political discrimination, gender based violence, widespread food insecurity, inadequate medical facilities and access to justice.

Violence against women stands in direct contradiction to the promise of the United Nations Charter to “promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” The visible consequences are immediate, close and personal, and go beyond the realm of rhetoric. Death, injury, medical costs and lost employment are but the recognized outcomes.

Therefore, the Bar Association has for the first time in its history, set up the National Center for the Prosecution of Violence against Women, with the mandate to investigate and prosecute gender based violence and domestic abuse, promote local law enforcement policy, and train enforcement officers in what a prosecutor needs in order to effectively prosecute these types of cases.

The Bar Association consequently calls on the Government of Sierra Leone, to heighten its drive for social equity, justice and women empowerment.

And further call on the International Community, people of Sierra Leone and stake holders in justice sector development to recognize the role and contribution of women in societal development.

© Copyright by Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.