On March 6 and 8, celebrations were held in Bo and Freetown respectively to mark International Women’s Day, March 8.

During the celebrations, female Councillors nationwide joined other women’s groups in advocating for the passing of three draft Bills by Parliament.

When passed the Bills would ensure a drastic reduction of violence against women in Sierra Leone.

In seminars held in Bo and Freetown on the dates stated above, participants spoke vehemently in favour of the passing of the Bills.

They called on government to do everything in its power to ensure the passing of the Bills and appealed to the womenfolk of Sierra Leone to show resilience and be more proactive as they endeavour to get the Bills passed.

The following photographs capture important scenes during the two seminars.

The Deputer Minister of Social Welfare Gender and Children's Affairs, Haja Meimunatu Koroma (Sitting fourth from right), and other members of the high table in Freetown get ready for the start of the day's programme

Yasmine Jusu-Sheriff, a Freetown Human rights lawyer calls on women and the government not to take the issue of the passing of the Bills lightly during the Freetown seminar.

A female Activist distributes chocolates to Activists including Elizabeth Lavalie, Deputy Speaker of Parliament ( with headgear ). She was a participants in the Freetown Seminar.

Live on Air! At the SLBS Radio Station in Bo, Capacity Building Manager, Sajor Aziz kamara, and Dec-Sec Gender Specialist Isatu Kajue tell listeners all about the IWD celebrations this year

Female Councillors, IRCBP Staff and other seminar participants pose for a photograph in Bo

The Mayor of Bo City Council, Wusu Sannoh addresses the seminar

Bo City Hall was beautifully decorated to serve as a fitting venue for the seminar

Legal Expert of the Decentralisation Secretariat, Floyd Davies, was in Bo to explain about the legal process involved in making the Bills become law.

Smiling faces-part of the audience in Bo

Martin Mondeh, Head of the IEC Unit at IRCBP also makes a point at the Bo seminar.

Coach for Kenema District Council, Sylvester Thomas, (right), joined the IRCBP Coordinator for the East, Amara Sowa, to clarify certain points

David Fortune, Acting Coordinator for the South, was typically not short of words to make valuable inputs during the seminar

© Copyright 2005, IRCBP.