By Joseph Momoh, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — Women now constitute 71 per cent of magistrates in Sierra Leone, the Judiciary has revealed in a newly launched Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Resource Document.
The document was formally presented to justice-sector stakeholders on Tuesday, marking a key step toward strengthening gender-responsive practices within the courts.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Justice, Court of Appeal Justice Jamesina Essie King said the initiative reflects the Chief Justice’s commitment to advancing gender equality. She described the GEWE document as a capacity-building resource that provides guidance for mainstreaming gender considerations across the Justice Sector.
Justice King noted that while women make up 71 per cent of magistrates, they account for 29 per cent of judges. She said the statistics provide a basis for continued reflection, training and institutional reforms.
“The successful completion of this process now places a collective responsibility on stakeholders to ensure that the contents of the resource document are properly and fully implemented,” she stated.
Head of the Justice Sector Coordination Office, Shahid M. Korjie, commended the Judiciary and the Chief Justice for providing leadership and an enabling environment for the GEWE diagnostic exercise.
He said the progress recorded was the result of collaboration among the Judiciary, Ministry of Gender, Carter Center, LAWYERS, and other partners.
Officials stressed that the impact of the GEWE document will depend on how effectively stakeholders translate its recommendations into practical action.
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