By Hajaratu S. Bangura
The National Director of the Young Women in Governance Network (YWIGN), Mariama Jalloh, has called for clearly defined and enforceable provisions for women and young people in Sierra Leone’s proposed new Constitution.
Speaking at the weekly government press conference at the Miatta Civic Center on Tuesday, 27 January, 2026, she described the ongoing constitutional review as a crucial moment for advancing gender equality, justice and inclusive national development.
Madam Jalloh explained that “the Young Women in Governance Network is a national initiative to empower women in leadership across all levels. We have active membership in all 16 districts with a national secretariat overseeing our work. Our work goes beyond governance and politics into leadership development at every level”.
She noted that the organization has been actively engaged in the constitutional review process and recently gathered young women from all 16 districts to get their views on the proposed Constitution. According to her, “the new Constitution contains many provisions that directly benefit women and young women. Young women were consulted across all districts during the constitutional review process”.
On economic empowerment, she highlighted equal pay for equal work as a key pillar of the new Constitution, stressing that women must not be discriminated against in wages for performing the same work as men. She also emphasized the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly for young people.
Addressing political participation, Madam Jalloh said women’s representation must be clearly guaranteed in the new Constitution through a mandatory quota system. “Political power is central to our work as the Young Women in Governance Network. We are advocating for a mandatory 30 percent quota for women, regardless of the electoral system. The 30 percent quota must be clearly stated and enforced in the Constitution,” she added.
She mentioned recent leadership successes within the network as evidence that empowering young women produces tangible results, pointing to the election of two members as student union presidents in Kono and Kenema, a first in both districts. She also welcomed provisions in the draft Constitution that prioritize social investment in education and healthcare. She further commended proposals aimed at strengthening justice delivery, particularly the planned increase in the number of judges to address delays in court cases, especially at district level.
On human rights, she described the provision allowing women to pass citizenship to their children as a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and justice. “This is a major human rights gain in the new constitutional framework,” she stated.
She concluded by calling for expanded access to technical, vocational and skills training for young people to enhance entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment, urging authorities to ensure that the constitutional review process remains transparent and key provisions, particularly those affecting women and youth, are clearly stated and protected in the final Constitution.
