By Rachel Horner

National Democratic Institute (NDI) Tuesday commenced a two-day training each in the twelve district of the country for 235 female candidates and campaign managers ahead of the forthcoming local council elections.

The aim of the training was to enhance and build the capacity of women to participate in governance in order to develop their ability to compete in the election.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘EP BIL SALONE WIT UMAN DEM' training, at the United States Embassy, NDI country director Honorine Muyoyeta said her institute wants to build and strengthen democracy in the country by improving women's participation in politics.

She said the training is an affirmative programme that will focus on different skills like fund-raising, oral skills, and exposing women to public and national programmes.

Magnus Ohman IFES's country director said without women in governance, the voices of women will not be heard in a democratic society.

He said the training will be on gender sensitivity, voter education and to sensitize the public on the importance of women in politics.

Giving her keynote address, the US ambassador June Carter Perry said when women are in decision-making positions, the needs of the vulnerable people would be addressed.

She said the upcoming election is an opportunity to increase the number of women in local authority.

Launching the programme, Abdulai Jalloh of USAID said it is a gross injustice to Sierra Leone women who constitute 52% of the population not to be equally represented in politics either as voters or candidates or as elected representative.