By: DS
The Parliament, through the Female Parliamentary Caucus Leadership in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), concluded a three-day mentorship training session on effective mentoring techniques and ethical considerations. The event was held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the West End Palace, Aberdeen Beach, Freetown.
In her virtual statement, Hon. Wuyata Songa, President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, emphasized that “the training marks a transformative era following the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act 2022.” She urged Female Members of Parliament to “embrace mentees who are seeking mentorship” and added that “the training is a commitment to nurturing the country’s challenges by equipping themselves with techniques and ethical considerations to inspire young girls to attain leadership, particularly in politics.”
The President of the Female Caucus continued, “The initiative aims to foster an environment where young girls feel equal to their male counterparts.” She called on everyone to “seize this opportunity to empower young girls with resilience and courage to assume leadership positions.” She assured that “together, they can cultivate a generation of women who will lead and champion equality and empowerment for all.” “It is essential to encourage and provide the needed mentorship to our young girls. I wish you fruitful deliberations,” she concluded.
Edward Massaquoi, Principal Head of Programs in the House of Parliament, acknowledged that “mentorship in leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s also about being open to receiving guidance.” He added that mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership development, providing aspiring leaders with guidance, support, and valuable insights. He emphasized that “a mentor shares their knowledge and experiences to help mentees grow and excel in their roles.”
Alie B. Sesay, senior rule of law officer at the UNDP, recalled the organization’s partnership with Parliament and the Government of Sierra Leone to promote development. He encouraged Members of Parliament to intensify mentorship for young girls, emphasizing its critical role in leadership positions. Augustine Samba, Principal Public Relations Officer, moderated the first session.
The training covered various topics, including Skills Development and Learning, Organizational Alignment, Mentee Goal, Organizational Objective, and Mentor-Based Intervention.
