The launch of Female Civil Society and Human Rights Forum (FECSOHRIF) took place on Tuesday 1st February 2011 at the British Council Hall, Tower Hill in Freetown.
The occasion attracted officials from the United Nations, the National Fire Force, the Police, SLANGO, National Youth Commission, Civil Society, Lawyers and a host of distinguished personalities.
In his keynote address, Minister Dennis Sandy lengthily deliberated on the challenges faced by women in the country, noting that the government is not insensitive to the plight of women.
The time for women to be united and strive towards the common goal of development is now, the Minister emphasized.
“Women have a very important role to play in the development of any nation,” the Gender Minister pointed out.
He condemned in no uncertain terms the acts of violence being perpetrated against women, while noting that the time for women to stand up for their rights is now.
He urged all Sierra Leonean women to come onboard the newly formed organization, which is devoid of political, tribal and regional affiliation. He called on the founding members of the organization to always maintain integrity and credibility, while urging them to be dedicated towards the cause of fighting for the rights of women.
Chairperson of the ceremony, Madam Mary Mye-Kamara, who doubles as Director for Disaster Management, Office of National Security (ONS), described the launch as paramount.
She lamented that marginalization of women remains a major challenge in Sierra Leone.
“Violation of women's rights is the order of the day,” she emphasized.
According to him, information sharing and working side by side with men and women is the major focus of the newly formed organization.
Mrs. Martha Chigozie is the Chairperson of the organization.
