On the campaign trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences in the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone Ramatulay Bah Photo: Stephen Douglas

On the cover: Fatmata Kanu Mayayah in Lungi, Port Loko District Photo: Florie De Jager Meezenbroek / Trócaire Trócaire, the Overseas Development Agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, is committed to the promotion of a just and peaceful world where people’s dignity is ensured and rights are respected. Trócaire has been supporting this mission in Sierra Leone since the 1990s, and it established an office in Freetown in 2008. Since that time, Trócaire has contributed to promoting women’s political, economic, and social empowerment, all while strengthening local civil society. Through its local implementing partners, Trócaire supports women across political parties who are interested in becoming leaders. Success is not only measured in terms of the number of seats that women secure, but also in terms of the number of women who take the risk of vying for office.

Acknowledgements Trócaire, with funding from Irish Aid and Ford Foundation, worked through its implementing partners to support women Several people contributed aspirants and candidates running for office in Western Area to the production of this Rural, Kambia, Port Loko, and Bombali Districts during the 2018 elections. Within its operational districts, Trócaire’s programming document, including the supported 27 of these successfully elected leaders, including consultants Stephen Douglas 3 Members of Parliament, 2 Mayors, and 22 Local Councillors. and Zainab Tunkara Clarkson, Interestingly, the number of women elected for the various who met the women leaders local councils in Trócaire’s operational areas was slightly higher and supported in documenting compared to other areas of the country, although across the nation only 22 out of the 133 elected councillors (16.5%) are their stories. Trócaire staff women. members who supported in the review and editing of During the elections, there was a palpable lack of will among the final document included male politicians to address the low number of nominations of Dominic Boima, Sorcha women candidates. The reasons for continued low levels of female representation are a combination of traditional beliefs Fennell, Eimear Lynch, Florie and practices, societal pressures, and systemic barriers in the de Jager Meezenbroek, political and legal systems. While there are some provisions in Michael Solis, Garry Walsh, Sierra Leone’s laws and international commitments that promote and Carol Wrenn. Andrea equality and non-discrimination, women found it difficult finding Sciorato supported with the acceptance as candidates. graphic design of the content. The purpose of this document is to capture the lived experiences The document would not of women aspirants, candidates, and elected leaders to have been possible without generate greater understanding of the types of challenges they the contributions of all of the faced during the 2018 electioneering process. Based on these women aspirants, candidates, experiences, Trócaire and its partners hope to influence changes in the electoral system so that it responds more effectively to and elected leaders who women’s needs. shared their stories with Trócaire and agreed to their On behalf of Trócaire, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks dissemination. to the women candidates, elected officials, and their families, all of whom contributed to the development of this publication. Their openness, honesty, and bravery are laudable, and we hope We extend our deepest thanks these qualities will inspire even more women to run for office in to IrishAid, whose funding the future. enabled the production of this report. Sincerely, Michael Solis Country Director Trócaire Sierra Leone Table of Contents Acknowledgements...... 3 Glossary...... 5 Executive Summary...... 6 Introduction...... 8 2018 General Elections...... 8 Women and Elections in Sierra Leone...... 8 Methodology...... 10 Operational Districts...... 11 Trócaire’s Partners...... 12 Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) – National...... 12 Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR) – Bombali, Port Loko, Kambia...... 12 Community Action to Restore Lives (CARL) – Port Loko...... 12 Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) – Bombali...... 12 Women’s Forum for Human Rights and Democracy (WOFHRAD) – Bombali...... 13 Support Provided by Trócaire Partners to Women Candidates...... 13 Training sessions...... 13 Phone calls...... 13 Money...... 13 Promotional materials...... 14 Behavioural and attitudinal change...... 14 Challenges faced by women candidates during 2018 electioneering process...... 15 From the National Grand Coalition (NGC) campaign manifesto...... 15 From the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) campaign manifesto...... 15 Money...... 15 Managing Expectations...... 16 Harassment, intimidation, violence...... 17 Logistics/Transportation...... 17 Home management and childcare...... 18 Political party support or lack thereof...... 18 Community support or lack thereof...... 18 Promotional materials...... 19 Case Studies...... 20 Elizabeth John Sesay...... 20 Matilda Kadiatu Kamara...... 22 Onita Mariatu Koroma...... 24 Isata Sesay...... 26 Fatmata Alpha Kamara...... 28 Fatmata Kamara...... 31 Alimatu Kamara...... 32 Rebecca Kamara...... 34 Recommendations...... 36 Training design, content, targeting, and duration...... 36 Implementing Partners...... 37 Political parties...... 38 Electoral Management Bodies...... 39 Security Sector...... 39 Media and Civil Society...... 40 Conclusions...... 40 Glossary APC All People’s Congress ABC-D Association for the well Being of Rural Communities and Development CGG Campaign for Good Governance CDHR Centre for Democracy and Human Rights CDP Citizens Democratic Party C4C Coalition for Change Party CARL Community Action to Restore Lives CSO Civil Society Organisation EU EOM European Union Election Observation Mission FGD Focus Group Discussion IMC Independent Media Commission MP Member of Parliament MSWGCA Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs NEC National Electoral Commission NGC National Grand Coalition NMJD Network Movement for Justice and Development PCMP Paramount Chief Members of Parliament PPRC Political Parties Registration Commission RUFP Revolutionary United Front Party SLPP Sierra Leone People’s Party SLP Sierra Leone Police WARD Western Area Rural District WOFHRAD Women’s Forum for Human Rights and Democracy Executive Summary

Women’s equal laws, campaigning, public extraordinary amounts of representation and speaking skills, and the money to buy votes to be participation in politics and development of political elected. Financial constraints public life is not simply platforms. limited the involvement desirable for fully-functioning of women candidates democratic systems; it is Nationwide, 18 women including high nomination fundamental. Democracy were elected as Members fees, payments to local cannot exist if half of the of Parliament (12.3 percent organisations and traditional population is not wholly and of the total), 2 women leaders, and logistical equally engaged in decision- were elected as Mayors (10 costs of transportation and making. percent) and 1 as District promotional items. Council Chair (7 percent), General elections were while 73 women were Societal pressures on held in Sierra Leone on the elected out of 489 local women candidates were 7th March 2018 to elect councillors (15 percent) a significant challenge and the President, Parliament, across Sierra Leone. Within included gender-based and local councils. Run-off its operational districts, harassment, intimidation, elections were held on the Trócaire’s programming and discrimination despite 31st of March 2018, with supported 24 of these ongoing discussions about the main opposition Sierra successfully elected leaders. quotas and encouraging Leone People’s Party (SLPP) women to participate. winning the elections with Following the campaign Politics in Sierra Leone 51.8 percent of the total period and the elections, remain largely a male- valid vote cast across Sierra Trócaire and its dominated domain. Leone. The incumbent All implementing partners People’s Congress (APC) assessed the experiences Partly because of the received 48.2 percent of of women aspirants, traditional role of women votes. candidates, and elected in Sierra Leone, some leaders to understand the women candidates lack Trócaire, through its types of challenges they communication skills, implementing partners, faced during the 2018 education, exposure, access supported women aspirants electioneering process. to information, and political and candidates in Western Case studies were capital to be able to wage a Area Rural, Kambia, Port developed that illustrate competitive bid for elected Loko, and Bombali Districts some of the challenges and office. to run for political office, successes these women with the goal of securing faced. One of the major There is a consistent and more elected positions challenges faced by women persistent call for “more for women. Women aspirants and candidates women – better politics” candidates and leaders was the monetisation in Sierra Leone. Women were offered training and of politics, which calls candidates, constituencies, were mentored on election for candidates to spend and political parties have

6 December 2018 a long road ahead when it comes to advancing women in politics. Political development can be realised with more attention given to female candidates, including enhanced training, leadership curriculum geared to women in tertiary institutions, political party inclusion in decision- making positions, gender- sensitive security responses from police and electoral management bodies and, of course, more access to campaign funding.

The experiences of 8 women candidates and 56 female aspirants and candidates have been gathered to generate this document, which contains learnings on women’s experiences in the 2018 elections.

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 7 Introduction

Inclusive elections, where some of the challenges 2018. all those eligible have the faced by women in politics opportunity to vote and/or in Sierra Leone. A total of 132 MPs were be voted for, are central to also elected on the 7th democracy. Ensuring that 2018 General Elections of March from among women and men can and 795 candidates, with 755 do participate without unfair General elections in Sierra candidates fielded by 17 barriers is a core component Leone were held on the parties and 40 independent of an inclusive election and a 7th of March 2018 for candidates. Also elected strong democracy. President, Parliament and were 7 city council local councils. Sixteen mayors,15 district council When women participate in presidential candidates ran, chairpersons, and 489 local elections – as candidates, but none of them won the councillors. voters, electoral 55 percent of valid votes administrators, or party required for a first-round The National Electoral supporters – they can victory. Therefore, a run-off Commission (NEC) had express their own needs election was held on the a register of 3,178,663 and interests. Political 31st of March 2018 between voters, which represented processes are more the two leading candidates 89.6 percent of the adult inclusive when women can from the two largest and population as estimated actively participate, and oldest parties: Samura from the 2015 census democracy is strengthened. Kamara of the incumbent data. Of the registered Further, since women are a All People’s Congress (APC) voters, women made up 52 minority in Sierra Leonean and Julius Maada Bio of percent of the eligible voters politics, their decisions can the Sierra Leone People’s registered in 2017. better reflect the views Party (SLPP). After a runoff and concerns of a vast election, the Sierra Leone Women and Elections in portion of a traditionally People’s Party (SLPP) won Sierra Leone underrepresented with 51.8 percent of the electorate. vote. As of May 2018, Sierra Leone was ranked 144 The main goal of this The elections resulted in out of 192 in the world for document is to formally the second democratic the lowest percentages capture the experiences transition of executive of women in national of women candidates, power in Sierra Leone’s parliament. aspirants, and elected 57 years of independence. leaders who participated Power has alternated National level in the 2018 electioneering between SLPP and APC (as The number of female process. In addition to well as periods of military parliamentary candidates in identifying and documenting rule) since independence in the 2018 elections was 100 the challenges women 1961: SLPP was in power out of 795 (12.6 percent), faced, this report from 1996 to 2007, and APC an increase from 65 female recommends suggested was in power from 2007 to actions to help alleviate parliamentary candidates

8 December 2018 out of 602 (11 percent) elected by a small group Front Party (RUFP). Women in the 2012 elections. of delegates who vote comprised 11 percent of While the total number of for members of “royal” independent candidates. Introduction elected female MPs slightly families. For local elections, 342 increased to 18, taking women were nominated into account the increase Previous elections for local council in Sierra in the overall size of the In 2012, women made Leone, representing 21% parliament, this election up only 13 percent (16 of candidates. There was marked no progress in the members) of the outgoing no female candidate for the percentage of female MPs 2007-2012 Parliament. The office of President, while at 12.3 percent. number fell to 15 following four of the nine running the 2012 parliamentary mates for vice-president Local level elections. were female. There were 73 women elected out of the 489 local In the 2012 general All attempts to introduce a councillors (15 percent). elections, for the quota system to increase There was a palpable lack of directly elected 112 the number of female MPs will among male politicians seats of the House of in 2012 and 2018 elections to address the reasons for the Representatives, have, so far, been rejected low female nominations. 602 candidates were by parliamentarians, despite nominated, 32 of which widespread calls from civil Presidential election were independent, many of society organisations. None of the major whom were not awarded a parties had a woman as a party symbol either by APC According to the European presidential candidate or or SLPP. Only two parties, Union Observer Mission running mate. There were APC and SLPP, nominated Report (EU EOM) of June two female presidential parliamentary candidates 2018, women were clearly candidates; however, they in each constituency. For disadvantaged in the 2018 only gained 0.5 percent the local council elections, elections. There are some and 0.2 percent of votes 1,624 candidates competed provisions in Sierra Leone’s respectively in the first for the 475 councillor seats laws and international round of voting. There were including 6 mayoral and 13 commitments have been four female running mates in district council chairperson made towards the equality a field of 16. seats. of women. However, in practice women found it Chiefdom level In 2012, 65 women were difficult to be accepted as Two of the 14 Paramount nominated for parliamentary candidates at all elected Chief Members of elections, which levels, and the number of Parliament (PCMP) are represented 11 percent female candidates in these female chiefs. Women are of candidates, identical to elections remained low. excluded from the role of the figure in 2007. APC The causes for the unequal chief in the North of the fielded 11 percent of female representation of women country. Despite this, the candidates, SLPP nominated are a combination of cultural proportion of female PCMPs 8 percent and percentages and societal pressures, (at 14 percent) is slightly for the other parties ranged systemic barriers in the higher than the number from a high of 34 percent political and legal structure, of MPs elected using for the Citizens Democratic and reasons specific to the universal franchise. Party (CDP) to 1.8 percent this election, such as the Paramount Chiefs are for the Revolutionary United banning of dual citizens,

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 9 which disproportionately a number of women affected female candidates. aspirants and candidates According to the Carter were identified to provide Center Report on the more detailed interviews. 2012 elections, the principal barriers to female Focus group discussions participation in the elections with 56 women aspirants were an absence of political and candidates were held will to promote women, over June and early July long-standing societal 2018 in each of Trócaire’s attitudes, and the lack of four operational districts: financial resources on the Western Area Rural District part of female aspirants. (WARD), Kambia, Port Failure to enact a gender Loko, and Bombali. This quota law revealed that helped generate qualitative incumbent politicians were information regarding the unwilling to implement women’s experiences in the affirmative action. 2018 electioneering process.

Methodology Experiences were identified at the aspirant, candidate, The data collection methods and elected leader levels. employed for this report Ten female politicians from included desk review, various political parties focus group discussions, agreed to meet and respond and interviews. All findings to questions relating to pre, (including qualitatively during, and post-election analysed observations from campaign trail experiences. the focus group discussions The candidates were and formal individual case selected for individual studies) were compiled to interviews based on capture the experiences of experiences, political the women during the 2018 party, election outcomes, electioneering process. location, and representative backgrounds. Through key The project began informant interviews, these with a desk review of experiences were developed election results, electoral into eight profiled case information, case studies, studies. election monitoring reports, and research. Both nationally and internationally published literature were reviewed.

A focus group discussion was held in early June 2018 with Trócaire and a subset of its implementing partners in Makeni. During this session,

10 December 2018 Key Informant Interviews – demographic information ASPIRANTS AND CANDIDATES MARRIED AGES CHILDREN EDUCATION1 Rebecca N. Koroma Yes 46-55 2 College Fatamata Koroma Yes 36-45 4 College Alimatu Humma Kamara Yes 36-45 4 College Fatamata Alpha Kamara Yes 36-45 3 JSS 3 Ramatulai Bah Yes 26-35 2 College Fatama Bangura Yes 26-35 3 High School Elizabeth John Sesay Yes 18-25 1 High School Matilda Kadiatu Kamara Yes 36-45 1 College Onita Mariatu Koroma Yes 36-45 2 College

1. Junior Secondary School Class 3 (JSS 3). Operational Districts

Focus Group Discussions

Women aspirants, candidates and Trócaire partners

Districts/ Number Trócaire Partners of People

Bombali 14

Kambia 14 Western Area Rural, Kambia, Port Loko, and Bombali DistrictsOperational districts Western Rural Area, Bombali, Port Loko 10 Port Loko, Kambia

Western Area 18 Rural

Trócaire 12 Partners

Based on the focus group discussions, individual interviews

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 11 Trócaire’s Partners Trócaire, through its Sierra Leone. CGG was Community Action to implementing partners, established in 1996 by Restore Lives (CARL) supported women aspirants leaders of pro-democracy Port Loko and candidates to run for movements to protest CARL Facilitates Community political office, with the goal against military rule with a development initiatives, of securing elected positions view to increasing citizen a Trócaire partner since for women in the 2018 participation in governance January 2016, aims to general elections in Sierra to build a more informed civil facilitate community Leone. populace and democratic development initiatives by state. CGG engages in women’s empowerment, Association for the research and publication; women’s leadership, well Being of Rural evidence-based advocacy livelihoods support and Communities and and campaigns; public policy education programmes, Development (ABC-D) input and analysis; capacity with a focus on youth and Kambia and Port Loko building and mentoring of families of vulnerable or women leaders; national ABC-D specialises in disadvantaged children. and international networking the protection of human CARL has expertise and coalition building; and rights, the promotion of in gender training and monitoring government grassroots participation in sensitisation and monitoring institutions, agencies, and decision making, women’s of cases of violence against processes. empowerment, and girls’ women and girls, including access to education. ABC-D the facilitation of legal has experience in conflict Centre for Democracy protection for survivors. resolution, guidance, and Human Rights CARL also operates counselling, and youth (CDHR) Bombali, Port leadership schools for reintegration in Kambia and Loko, Kambia women to strengthen their Port Loko districts, as well CDHR is recognised for agency and promote their as the mobilisation and enhancing human rights leadership at multiple levels. organisation of women’s with a focus on women’s Network Movement groups. ABC-D was involved leadership and gender-based for Justice and violence across Northern in the 2007 and 2012 voter Development (NMJD) education programmes in Province in Sierra Leone. Bombali the north as a member of CDHR has been active in Established in 1988 in the West African Network Northern Sierra Leone since eastern Sierra Leone, for Peace Building (WANEP), 2002 and has carried out NMJD is a national human Sierra Leone Chapter. election observation since rights-oriented civil society 2002 across five districts. development and advocacy Campaign for Good organisation. NMJD engages Governance (CGG) government on policy reform National matters and works with CGG works to advocate grassroots communities in for good governance in Sierra Leone. NMJD focuses

12 December 2018 on empowering people, Support Provided by going through,” said one as well as strengthening Trócaire Partners to participant in the focus its capacity to build a free, Women Candidates group with candidates in just, and democratic Sierra Makeni. Leone where there is Trócaire funded local respect for human rights and implementing partners to Public speaking and sustainable development strengthen and increase confidence building were for the benefit of all. the capacity of women the two areas that women Some of NMJD’s critical candidates/leaders to candidates mentioned as thematic areas include: assume appointed and important during the training women’s political and elected positons. sessions. economic empowerment, Women aspirants and youth livelihoods and skill candidates received More than half the women development, accountable support from Trócaire’s candidates consulted and responsible natural implementing partners prior mentioned “how to dress” resource governance, to the elections held on the and “how to behave on strengthening accountability 7th March 2018. The support the campaign trail” as for health and education to candidates formed part very useful information services delivery, and of a larger programme that the received during the building and strengthening supports poor and vulnerable trainings. civil society networks/ women and women leaders coalitions for public interest to participate in formal or All of the candidates spoke activism. NMJD operates in informal decision-making about the importance of 6 of the 16 administrative structures and to take action networking and “friendship districts in Sierra Leone. at community, district, and building” during the training national level to advance the sessions. Women’s Forum for rights and needs of women Human Rights and and girls. Phone calls Democracy (WOFHRAD) Bombali Training sessions Some implementing WOFHRAD is a non- partners gave ongoing governmental and non- The local implementing support through phone calls profit making organisation partners offered between to candidates to discuss any founded in 2006 by a group 1 to 3 training sessions for challenges they were facing, of young women in Makeni, candidates. encourage them, and offer the provincial headquarter advice. town of the northern region All of the 56 women in Sierra Leone. The main candidates consulted in the Money focus of WOFHRAD is study said they appreciated to promote and protect the training and found the All of the implementing women’s human rights, content generally useful in partners paid candidates to girls’ education, women’s their campaigns. The training attend training sessions and advancement, women and sessions were held between meetings. This “transport” youth participation in politics, January and March 2018. or “sitting allowance” and democratic principles helped the candidates and good governance. “The training was good and support their campaigns. timely and it was good to All the candidates in every be with other candidates focus group discussion going through what I was noted their need for financial

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 13 support. In Makeni, one Behavioural and candidate said, “There never attitudinal change seems to be enough money and everyone expects us to The partners worked not pay for things. But, we don’t only with women, but also have money.” with other stakeholders, including traditional and One of the implementing religious leaders and political partners, CARL, gave parties, to create a more women aspirants they inclusive and equitable supported from across enabling environment for multiple political parties cash women’s participation. to help run their campaigns. Partners utilised radio At a meeting of these as a means to spread local level candidates, Le. positive messaging around 500,000 was distributed to women’s participation and approximately 10 women non-violence during the candidates. elections. One partner, ABC-D, carried out a series Promotional materials of sessions with the family members of women The implementing partners, candidates to support their through Trócaire funding, understanding of gender provided limited supplies of concepts and women’s t-shirts to some candidates. empowerment, and to The t-shirts supported the develop strategies for idea of “voting for women” supporting the candidates but were not customised to throughout the campaign individual candidates. Some process. This included candidates used the t-shirts exploring what types of to print their own photos things male family members on the fronts and used the could do to support the slogan, “More women in women candidates, such politics, on the back of the as assuming greater shirts. responsibility for domestic tasks in the home and Within its operational supporting women’s districts, Trócaire’s freedom of movement. programming supported 24 of the successfully elected leaders.

14 December 2018 Challenges Faced by women candidates during 2018 electioneering process Acknowledging the must be overcome in order Money problems is one of the to achieve gender equality. first steps towards Elections are costly affairs addressing the imbalances, From the Sierra Leone for aspiring politicians, both discriminatory issues, People’s Party (SLPP) men and women. Money is barriers, and difficulties campaign manifesto key to understanding how faced by women candidates. Women face major candidates campaign for All of the political parties challenges in their public office. It influences recognise the social, communities, in accessing the behaviour of voters who economic, and political justice, social, and economic ultimately decide whether challenges that women opportunities and seeking politicians win or stay in aspirants and candidates overall advancement. office. The ability to spend faced prior to, during, and Specifically, the challenges the most money is, by and after the 2018 elections. of women include (a) large, a critical factor in gender-based violence, successfully winning a seat Four of the political parties (b) barriers to women’s in elected office. issued manifestos prior economic empowerment, to the elections that especially in terms of access If the cost of politics rises outlined challenges and to markets, training, finance, to unaffordable levels, developmental goals/policies infrastructure, technology, the danger is that politics of the parties. Two of the education, counselling, becomes the domain of party manifestos specifically and entrepreneurship the elite and wealthy, mentioned the challenges development, (c) exploitative and that the motivation faced by women in Sierra or hazardous forms of the and incentives of elected Leone. livelihood of poor, unskilled councillors or MPs move women and girls, especially from serving the public From the National Grand commercial sex workers, (d) to recovering their own Coalition (NGC) campaign inadequate sensitisation and investment. The level of manifesto education on gender and ‘monetisation of politics’ has Achievement of the sought development issues, and (e) worsened to the extent that after gender equity remains low political participation as well-qualified prospective a major challenge in a result of the socio-cultural, candidates are sometimes Sierra Leone. The forward educational, legal, and policy alienated on the basis of movement of women in environment and economic cost. the country is being held factors. back by not only deep- The lack of campaign seated discrimination from finances and money traditional customs and plague women candidates laws, but also by modern far more than their male economic and social barriers counterparts. According as well as by violence which to the EU Observer

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 15 Mission to Sierra Leone area. This is usually done Managing Expectations report of 2018, “The high through donations to nomination fees, combined organisations, party or All of the candidates with unequal financial candidate supporters, consulted talked about voter positions among parties traditional leaders, expectations before, during, were a barrier to individual community development and after the elections. candidates, particularly organisations, and youth One candidate said, “The female aspirants. High, non- associations. In some problem is, everybody refundable, nomination fees instances, money must be thinks because I’m running act as a deterrent to the given to party officials for for political office that I economically disadvantaged, recognition and the party must have money. And, if which includes most symbol. I supposedly have money women.” then I must share it… or Candidates admitted give it out in order to get All of the women candidates having to pay for votes, votes.” interviewed complained whether this is in the form about not having enough of “respect” or “borra” or Another candidate spoke money to effectively through the provision of about how people expected run their campaigns. “transport”, rice, or food. her to give to schools, When queried as to what One candidate mentioned students, churches, and they needed money for, giving money to community community groups through candidates said they people as she went door-to- “envelopes.” “It’s just needed to pay the local door as a sign of respect and expected these days that chiefs, town chief, youth to pay for their time. I have to give to everyone. chair, and women’s chair I try to manage but I don’t in order to access the All of the women said have the money… or access communities to campaign. money is expected from to money… they think I do.” Interest groups mentioned them by everyone. There during candidate focus seems to be no such thing The expectations of groups included elders or as a political volunteer community groups and seniors, youth groups, and – anyone and everyone members continued to focus chairpersons from various involved in a campaign on money, food, or favours organisations (market needs to be paid in either from candidates and elected women, bike riders, etc.). To cash, food, or transport. officials. call a community meeting, a candidate must give money For funders/NGOs, a All but one of the candidates to the local chiefs, traditional fine line exists between interviewed received authorities, or specific group supporting women emotional and moral leaders such as youth or candidates and “interfering” support from close family women’s wings of political in the democratic election members. When asked why parties who then call the process. Funders are this support was offered, community to a meeting. cautioned against creating candidates noted how family This was referred to as “rent an unfair advantage members talked about the a crowd” in one of the focus to specific candidates personal opportunities that group discussions. and campaigns, even in may arise if a candidate wins the face of an existing or is recognised by a strong During the pre-election disadvantageous political political party. stage, the focus is on environment. gaining popularity in the Increasingly, politics is community or contesting seen as a means to self- 16 December 2018 aggrandisement or financial intimidation had to do with gain despite the initial “Party” and some was due All candidates, at various costs or “investments.” specifically to being women times during the campaign Candidates and supporters candidates. Most of the period, referred to “feeling continue to perceive politics women candidates were afraid” or “nervous” about as a way to self-promotion harassed through abusive their campaign activities. All and riches. language and gender-based, candidates feared for their verbal attacks. A focus safety at different times Harassment, group participant described during the campaign. intimidation, violence the intimidation as, “… demeaning and sometimes Logistics/Transportation The European Observer frightening. When I went to Mission, sent to Sierra a market area some people All of the candidates used Leone to observe the would shout ‘not in this “door-to-door” visits as a 2018 elections, defines area’ and I wouldn’t be able way of popularising their violence against women in to shop.” campaigns. This door-to-door elections as any random campaigning was primarily or conspiratorial act to Some women spoke about done in their communities discourage, suppress, trying to campaign and but extended, on occasion, or prevent women from other parties overwhelming to neighbouring villages and exercising their electoral their activities or “not outlying areas. rights as voters, candidates, allowing” them to speak. party supporters, election This occurred in traditional All the women candidates workers, journalists, or strongholds of the APC used bikes, walked, and public officials. where market women or occasionally had use of a men at a car park would not vehicle belonging to an MP EU EOM observers allow SLPP campaigning. candidate or husband. The noted that women were Heckling and rude challenge of transportation disproportionately verbally, behaviours occurred when is assumed to affect women and in some cases, an SLPP candidate wanted more so than men, as physically attacked during to talk or “stump” to a small traditionally women have the 2018 electioneering crowd of people. less access to vehicles than process, often with men. reference being made Four of the women to their gender. Men in candidates referred to All of the candidates referred nearly all parties often specific instances of to having difficulty accessing held a patronising attitude violence including verbal and smaller villages and getting towards women as a physical threats, spreading out beyond their own group, stating “they are not negative rumours, and even communities to campaign. ready” and using the poor the spreading feces on Most of the candidates educational system and doorways. According to one noted the costs involved in economic disadvantages of the candidates: “I knew it renting motorbikes and the as a justification for their was our (party’s) scheduled cost of fuel for their own prejudice. day to campaign but I was transportation. afraid to come out because All of the candidates another party was holding interviewed spoke a ‘campaign meeting’ in my about intimidation and community. I knew they discrimination during the would bother me if I came campaign. Some of this out.” On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 17 Home management and politician wife to move to interviewed felt alone and childcare different communities in her apart from their political constituency. Most of the parties during and after All of the candidates husbands provided some the campaigns. “My party consulted in this study had form of financial assistance did nothing for me,” said children and households and assumed greater a candidate in Makeni. to run. Balancing a responsibilities within the “After my nomination in campaign with household home. “The moral support Freetown, no one called, responsibilities was a with the money from my even to inform me about the challenge. In some cases, husband helped me keep results.” extended family took care going during the campaign. of children and helped in He couldn’t openly support Community support or the home. In other cases, me because of his job but lack thereof the children accompanied he was there and would the candidates on the do what he could,” said a While most candidates said campaign trail. “I had no candidate in Makeni. their communities were choice sometimes. My generally supportive, they husband was at work and I Political party support or still faced difficulties. All of took my children with me,” lack thereof the 56 women candidates said one candidate. Another talked about challenges in candidate talked about Each of the candidates their neighbourhoods and how she had to adjust her repeatedly mentioned how communities. Much of the family’s schedule to do a little their political party concern had to do with radio discussion programme. supported their campaigns, “expectations” from people. Once she was at the radio financially or otherwise. But, there was significant station until 10:00 p.m. Some of the parties provided concern about the public while her son was waiting minimal financial support to perception of politicians. for her to return home. the candidates. APC, SLPP, Many candidates felt UP, and NGC provided up to stigmatised by the negative Nine out of the ten Le. 10 million (approximately perception that all politicians interviewed candidates’ €1,136 €), some promotional are corrupt, lying, fake, and husbands were supportive materials featuring the party insincere. and sometimes campaigned leader, and some rice to with their wives. Most often distribute. Candidates during the mentioned, however, was focus group discussions the support the women Following the nomination spoke about the self- candidates received from process and perhaps centeredness of neighbours their husbands at home. an initial meeting, most and communities. One “My husband took a more candidates were left to candidate from Makeni said, active role in the house fend for themselves. Only “My community was happy while I was campaigning,” one candidate saw her I was running because then said one candidate. Three party’s manifesto during they would benefit from of the candidate’s husbands the campaign. None of the contracts or projects.” were reluctant, at first, but women interviewed were There was a feeling among very quickly got on board involved in the development candidates that even though with their wives’ campaigns. of the party manifestos. they gave people money, talked to them, visited with One of the husbands Ninety percent of the them, and informed them arranged a vehicle for his women candidates about the elections and

18 December 2018 party manifestos, many people would vote along historic party or ethnic lines regardless.

Promotional materials

Implementing partners and international funders provided some generic “vote for women” campaign materials including posters, t-shirts, hats, etc. But, all of the candidates complained about the lack of money to develop personalised campaign materials. The candidates spoke about the importance of promoting themselves although they all admitted they thought they did benefit from the generic messaging.

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 19 Elizabeth John Sesay Bombali in her neighbourhood as Ran for: Council challenges that she wanted Party: United to address as a Councillor. Democratic Party “My mother had to (UDM) leave Makeni due to Ward: 37 threats” Constituency: 121 Town/Village: Makeni Elizabeth faced intimidation District: Bombali from “very strong party Result: Not Elected supporters in my locality.” She says she was “threatened by some people for belonging to another party. My landlord also gave me a notice to leave his property I was renting. Elizabeth John Sesay is Democratic Movement People called me all sorts of a 25-year-old university (UDM) party. names and I had to hide for student who wants to several weeks. My mother address issues facing young “There are no girls had to leave Makeni due women such as lack of from my community to threats and harassment. education, basic services who have gone on to I could not even hold and teenage pregnancy. She university.” rallies due to the fear of faced significant challenges intimidation.” during her campaign Elizabeth is a college including intimidation and student and she ran for She added, “I came across a harassment and failed to get office primarily because lot of criticism for my gender a seat. she wanted to improve and my age. Many despised education for girls. She is me and thought I didn’t have Elizabeth is a vibrant, motivated by her personal what it takes to represent confident young woman. experiences. She married them.” On the other She lives close to her family young into an arranged hand, she added, “Some home and mother in Makeni marriage, had a child and community members were in the shadow of the Makeni dropped out of school. very supportive.” rock. She is a determined, vocal advocate and is well- She noted, “There are no Preparing for the known in her community. girls from my community election who have gone on to The 2018 elections were university.” She wanted to As a candidate, Elizabeth her third attempt at entering address issues around teen attended training sessions political office at the Council pregnancy and attitudes from Trócaire partner level. She ran in the 2012 among young people. WOFHRAD and the 50/50 general elections, a by- Elizabeth also noted the lack group, ActionAid and others. election in 2017, and again of quality healthcare, potable She said the public speaking in 2018, all under the United water and feeder roads and code of conduct training

20 December 2018 were very helpful to her lost. But, my party leaders campaign as, “I learned how declared for APC (during the to get my message across, runoff) and they were paid how to interact with people money. We, the candidates, while campaigning, lobbying did not receive any of that skills and how to engage/talk money.” to particular audiences.” Campaign finances was a Despite this setback, challenge. While the UDM Elizabeth is staying positive party paid her nomination and planning for her future fees and gave her a small She said, “Next elections I amount for food they did not will go in as an independent provide any other financial candidate. I will campaign support. Elizabeth said, hard for attitudinal change “I got some money from because corruption is high friends, my boyfriend and and accepted as norm in our an APC former flag-bearer society.” candidate… all together maybe Le. 10 million She said, “I admire the May- (approx. € 1,136).” She or of Makeni (Sunkari Ka- said she could have used mara) and Christiana Thorpe more money to campaign. because they made a change “Because I’m a young in their communities and person, the youth groups the country. I want to make looked to me for support changes too.” and I needed money to offer them.” Staying positive despite losing the election

Elizabeth lost the election in her Ward. Following the announcement of results after the general election, she said, “The political landscape after the elections was a bit tense as APC

“I could not even hold rallies due to the fear of intimidation.”

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 21 Matilda Kadiatu Kamara bombali

Ran for: Member of Matilda runs a school in Parliament (MP) her community and is Party: Unity Party (UP) passionate about education. Ward: 106 She is a student of Ernest Constituency: 032 Bai Koroma University Town/Village: Makarie, and is studying education and teaching. She said, “I Magbenteh started a school because District: Bombali I want to help the less Result: Not Elected privileged children. And, I went into politics to help others in my community especially around healthcare and basic living standards.”

Matilda’s community is a Matilda Kadiatu Kamara is a The UP leadership was close-knit group of people single mother of one who very supportive of Matilda who generally supported suffers from polio and uses and would call regularly her bid for Parliament. a wheelchair to get around. for updates and to offer “My close associates She runs a school for under- encouragement. The leader and friends were very privileged students, and ran of the UP repaired a vehicle supportive. My pastor [and for election to support her for Matilda to use during the church members] also polio community. She faced campaign and periodically was supportive of my bid intimidation in her campaign would send money as and they encouraged me. and was unsuccessful in campaign support. They even helped me to getting elected. campaign. My community Supporting her polio was so happy and stood Matilda is a driven, strong, community behind me. I got plenty of energetic, and passionate votes in my community. I advocate who lives in small She noted, “I ran for political came third in the votes.” community of people with office to bring opportunities disabilities, Magbenteh, on to help and support my polio “I suffered a lot the outskirts of Makeni. community.” She explained of taunting from to voters and to her party neighbours.” The 2018 election was her that “being disabled is first foray into politics. She no barrier to my ability While generally ran for a seat in Parliament to deliver as MP.” In her supportive, Matilda also under the Unity Party (UP) campaign she says “above faced challenges in her umbrella, the only party who all, I was honest and didn’t community. She said, fielded a woman candidate make wild promises.” “Some men had issues for President. with me because they felt I would become pompous and egotistic after I got

22 December 2018 elected as a woman.” people with disabilities… especially those vying for She also noted how her political office. I think we disability influenced her need to develop campaign campaign. “I suffered messages of tolerance.” a lot of taunting from neighbours. People had a “I faced a lot stigmatisation lot of questions and some from another party. At some were rude. It had a negative point, I was afraid and I had impact and demoralising to sit in the back of the car. effect on my self-esteem. I Those supporters attacked started thinking a lot about me for putting Unity Party my disability. I felt extremely posters on my car. They vulnerable and stigmatised insulted me and asked me and saw my disability as a to step down because they very serious barrier to my felt only one party should future.” dominate in this area. Another party also asked Matilda noted how many me to do the same thing. I places were inaccessible to refused to be intimidated.” her in a wheelchair. “One radio station came to meet Matilda also said her me because I couldn’t get to campaign posters and them,” she said. flyers, on the walls of her community and in Campaigning with neighbouring areas, were “I ran for vigour torn and defaced.

Matilda quickly bounced Remaining steadfast political back and continued to campaign with vigour. She Matilda lost the election to said she valued the training the APC candidate but is office sessions from Trócaire not discouraged. She said through their local partner she was bolstered by her to bring NMJD and the 50/50 group. party leader, Femi Cole, She specifically benefited who called immediately from confidence-building after election results were opportunities exercises, public speaking announced. Matilda said, role-plays, advice on how “The political climate after to help and to dress, and discussions the election was peaceful… around the electoral code of We still interact with other conduct. candidates. I also received a support lot of encouragement from She said, “I want to be community people to remain my polio trained on how to change steadfast in my political people’s perceptions career.” and behaviour towards community.”

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 23 Onita Mariatu Koroma port loko

Ran for: Council Growing in confidence (new area – Port Loko City Council) Onita attended three training Party: All People’s sessions from Trócaire and its local partner Campaign Congress (APC) for Good Governance Ward: 233 (CGG), World Vision, and Constituency: 075 the 50/50 Group. She said Town/Village: Maforki she benefitted from the District: Port Loko sessions on public speaking and campaign messaging Result: Elected and specifically enjoyed the camaraderie with the other women candidates.

She felt more training on fundraising and financial management would be Onita Mariatu Koroma is adjoining compound just helpful to candidates. She a nurse who campaigned outside Port Loko, was the added, “My role model is on healthcare, water area’s Councillor and MP Nelson Mandela… because and corruption. She was from 2004 to 2008. he fought to bring equality successfully elected to and freedom to his people. I her Council. She has For Onita, health and also admire China’s Mao for faced challenges within quality healthcare was ensuring equality.” her own party and with a central reason for her gender discrimination since getting into politics and As her mother is a former becoming elected. core to her campaign. “I politician, Onita said, “She also campaigned for water, was worried about highly Onita is an articulate, against corruption, and placed, corrupt people in strategic, and energetic the need for a change,” politics... in particular, in our woman who now represents she added. “My campaign party. I had to convince her her Ward, under the APC, on message was also about my capability to stand the newly created Port Loko centred around integrity up against the party if things City Council. – an inherent trait among are not right. I know people women. Women are less get punished for that but I She is a nurse and the corrupt compared to men.” have a job to go back to as 2018 election was her first a nurse, if things get too experience as a candidate difficult.” although not her first experience with politics. “My mother advised me Her mother, who lives in an to run as an independent

“Women are less corrupt compared to men.”

24 December 2018 candidate,” Onita said. “But, from that mentality. I told the party’s leadership. I couldn’t do that because them I would go out to in Port Loko, the APC are advocate for development the dominant party and I funding. I told them it’s Joining the City Council would be wasting my time dangerous to make too if I chose to go in as an many unnecessary demands After successfully navigating independent candidate.” from politicians because her Council election, Onita when they go back they joined the City Council. At would have to make up for the first meeting of the Financing the campaign the loss.” newly elected Council, Onita expressed an interest to Onita said the candidates for become the Deputy Chair. APC received Le. 3 million Challenges within her According to Onita, “They (€ 341) and several bags of didn’t conduct the business rice to distribute from the party of getting a deputy fairly.” party. She said her partner Onita felt intimidated by the also provided money for Party politics took a small toll male members of Council her campaign. She also on Onita. She described how and was pressured from borrowed money from her party initially intimidated within the Council and from an “osusu” group at her her. She said, “Assessment the District Chair. workplace. She estimates teams from the party… she spent, with her own a certain group of people She said, “They knew I contributions from her salary came and requested money am a no-nonsense person as a nurse, approximately from me in return for the and this affected me. They Le. 20 million (€ 2,273). party symbol. My refusal campaigned against me provoked some negative and even asked the female Further, Onita expressed a reactions from them. councillors to vote against common concern among me.” She noted, “We candidates. “People always She added, “It’s so were used as pawns by our come around asking for discouraging for us first-time male counterparts and the money. They expect you politicians. Many people women became divided.” to give them money during in the party don’t want to In the end, Onita was not the campaign and after the listen to your ideas. It’s selected to be the Deputy campaign. They still have really stressful.” She also Chair but retains her seat on noted the lack of emotional no idea that we councillors the Council. have no money.” or moral support from the party. She said no one called She told voters, “I don’t her after the election to have to give them money congratulate, and she would and they should move away have appreciated a call from

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 25 Isata Sesay kambia

Ran for: Council Financing her campaign Party: National Grand Coalition (NGC) Isata is also a pragmatic realist. She said about the Ward: 203 campaign, “It was not easy. Constituency: 060 My opponents in other Town/Village: Thuiray, parties were wealthy. But Magbema I campaigned vigorously.” District: Kambia She was also willing to Result: Elected run for office at her own risk, and borrowed money from a bank to finance her campaign. Her family was also supportive and gave her approximately Le. 2 million (€ 227). Isata Sesay is a beloved Sierra Leone] are changing teacher, mother of three, and women should stand to She also realised that wife, and a popular, be counted.” campaigning was a very successful businesswoman time-consuming activity. in her community. She was As a teacher, Isata is fully She approached her head successfully elected to her aware of the challenges teacher and requested a Council, after receiving faced by young people, six-week, paid leave of financial support and especially girls. Part of absence. This allowed her to technical training. her platform during the campaign door-to-door and campaign was to talk to visit smaller areas outside Isata is a determined, voters about education, teen Kambia. mature, and hard-working pregnancy, and health. woman who entered politics under a new party, the She said, “Girl child Campaigning National Grand Coalition education is important (NGC). She is a first- because when you educate The newly-formed NGC time politician and now a woman, you educate a was supportive of Isata’s represents her constituency nation. Teenage pregnancy campaign and provided on the Kambia local Council. is also an issue for me 100 campaign t-shirts, because I see far too many 25 branded hats and Le. Isata said, “Women need to young women get pregnant, 3 million (€ 341). The be in front. I want to be part leave school, and struggle promotional materials were of governance and give back for their basic survival.” branded with the party to society. I ran because leaders, Kandeh Yumkella I feel women should and Andrew Keili, and Isata participate fully in politics also photocopied 1,000 and decision-making.” posters with her photograph She added, “Things [in and slogan, “United we

26 December 2018 stand; We stand united.” She noted, “The youth groups were particularly For Isata, the 2018 election instrumental [to the campaign was a valuable campaign]. My core learning experience. She campaign team included said, “I am a new candidate. three male and three I learned so many things. I females who worked hard learned about the systemic and were effective.” marginalisation of women in politics. I learned about Getting her message out the Local Government Act and the laws in the Public The media training was Elections Act.” useful for Isata as she appeared on several local She noted how valuable the radio discussion programs various training sessions funded by various women’s were and attended as many groups. “With my use of offerings as possible. She the media,” she said, “I specifically mentioned relied mostly on the 50/50 the Trócaire group training jingle, which calls for more through ABC-Development women in politics. I didn’t and CGG, as well as 50/50 have to pay for the radio Group, as valuable to her programmes.” campaign. She also noted, “I learned skills like public Isata also participated in a speaking. I developed “women’s march”, which confidence in interacting she said was an important with people. I learned activity that helped raise her how to be bold and talk profile and encourage men to the media. The training to vote for women. also helped to market me and give us a platform to Isata specifically noted express ourselves freely the value of networks and especially through public connections with people. rallies.” The trainings offered connections with other Isata’s Catholic church women candidates and community was also organisations. supportive and encouraging. Her pastor prayed for her She said, “People are and talked about her several the key to elections and times during the campaign. reaching out to groups, Isata’s networks through her neighbours, and individuals “Women school, religious community, is very important. People women’s groups, business wanted change and I offered need to be in contacts, and social activities a different way of doing were valuable assets during things.” the campaign and election. front.”

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 27 Fatmata Alpha Kamara kambia

Ran for: Council myself and my people... I Party: Coalition for believe ‘enough is enough’. Change (C4C) I am going to advocate as Ward: 200 a politician to help improve Constituency: 060 education and eradicate Town/Village: poverty.” Magbema, Rokupr District: Kambia Family issues Result: Not Elected Family issues were both a blessing and a challenge for Fatmata during the campaign. “It was a tough period for my children,” she said. “I would leave them sometimes to return Fatmata Alpha Kamara is for Change (C4C), headed very late at night. I am a a mother of three who ran by the former Vice President breastfeeding mother and for election in her Council. of Sierra Leone. The 2018 sometimes my breasts got She struggled with her campaign and elections were heavy and ached for hours family commitments while her first foray into politics. while being away from my campaigning as she was still child.” breastfeeding her youngest Fatmata noted, “It was a risk child. Harrassment and but I felt confident because Her husband, Alpha, campaign finances were I had support around the became the stay-at-home also a challenge, and as a community.” She thinks that father for long periods result she was unsuccessful getting involved in politics is during the campaign. He in getting elected. a good way to “help reduce added, “I was here to help. illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, I would leave my school and Fatmata is a vibrant, and other ills affecting our come to take care of the thoughtful, soft-spoken, and society. Teenage pregnancy baby.” dedicated mother with three is a very serious problem young children, ranging from here and all those young Caring for her family, 14 months to 14 years of mothers in my community particularly her young age. were school-going children.” son, prevented Fatmata from attending some of With support and Fatmata took a long-term the meetings and training encouragement from her view of the elections and sessions held in her area. husband, a teacher, and politics. She said, “I opted She said, “I attended one her family, she ran for local for this political office to or two trainings …in Port council under the umbrella have a voice and lead Loko and Kambia. But, of a new party, the Coalition towards a better life for

28 December 2018 being a mother that is still breastfeeding a baby, it was extremely difficult to attend the training sessions.”

She noted, however, that the training sessions gave her confidence to speak on the radio and to stand before a small crowd and talk. “Learning about local council, public speaking, and politics was very positive for me.”

“I was a victim of some rumours about me and other men.”

The C4C Party paid Fatmata’s nomination fees and gave her Le. 70,000 (€ 8) for transportation to allow her to get into Freetown and go through the nomination process at the National Electoral Commission (NEC) office. But, she said, “I didn’t receive any other money from my party.” She noted, “I only received money from my husband’s salary and I had to endure a lot of hardships because I didn’t have money.”

Money was not the only challenge Fatmata faced. She said, “I was a victim of some rumours about me and other men. Some people talked to my husband about me, but he didn’t believe them and trusted me.”

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 29 She also described how a lot from the experience she was intimidated and and might consider running “pushed” by a political for a political position again. opponent. “An opponent She said, “I campaigned of mine was antagonistic. on a platform where I was One of my supporters was part of the community and wrongly accused of stealing my personal experience a phone from a supporter of would help me help others. my opponent. This incident I explained that I am better led to some intimidation as suited than these politicians I was asked to pay for the to help solve the problems stolen phone. My opponent being faced.” was richer and and tried to intimidate me and my husband.”

More women – better politics

The media was supportive of women candidates in Kambia, and Fatmata appeared on the radio three times. She said, “The radio discussion programs were good and helped get my name known around a wider area.” She said she relied on some jingles about voting for more women and cited, “more women – better politics” as a slogan that was very effective.

Fatmata also noted the contributions her Imam made from her mosque. Fatmata is a Muslim “It was a woman, living in a Muslim community. She said, “My Imam prayed for me and tough period helped in my campaign. I sometimes wore a hijab, for my out of respect and my religion, when I went door- to-door. Being a Muslim children.” helped connect me with my community.” Fatmata said she learned

30 December 2018 Fatmata Kamara kambia Campaigning for her Aspirant for Local Council party Party: All People’s Fatmata went on to actively Congress (APC) campaign for the selected Ward: APC candidate at the Constituency: 069 request of a party leader. Town/Village: Robat, She said, “I did it for the Makama sake of the party. I can’t sit District: Port Loko by and see my party losing Result: Not elected because of the decision of an individual.” According to Fatmata, because of her high profile in the date for the symbol because community, she was able some ‘big gun’ in the APC to boost the selected APC favoured another candidate.” candidate to victory. “I won the primaries but Fatmata Kamara is an She said she wasn’t dis- they removed my name on out-spoken, confident, and couraged by the party or the their way to Freetown. The seasoned advocate and election results. “I know my party set up assessment politician. A former elected people still love me and I committees to determine councillor, she was blocked have other ways of helping. the popularity of candidates, from running in the election I have established sever- but the party hierarchy dis- by a male rival in her own al networks with NGOs. I criminated against me and party. initiated a savings fund (an denied me the opportunity informal ‘Osusu’) for the of serving my people for a Fatmata ran successfully for community to respond to second term.” Council in 2012 under the individual problems.” All People’s Congress (APC) and was a sitting Councillor “The male candidate Fatmata maintains a from 2012 to 2017. She has was chosen over me” high-profile position within been a member of the APC her community as a teacher, for over 20 years. She said, “In 2012, the pro- advocate, and community cess of selecting candidates activist. She is confident However, prior to the elec- was fair. In 2018, the party about running for local tion campaign of 2018, imposed candidates on the council again, perhaps in the Fatmata was asked to step people. I wasn’t given the next election or by-election. aside from her position by symbol because I said some- She said, “I want to contin- the by a high-ranking official thing against a top party ue with the development of her party. She was then executive in the district. It work I started previously as denied the party symbol. all turned out that the male a substantive stakeholder on She said, “I learned I wasn’t candidate was chosen over Council.” the party’s favourite candi- me.”

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 31 alimatu Kamara western area rural Ran for: Local Council Her husband is a strong Party: All People’s supporter of the Sierra Congress (APC) Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Ward: 379 while she decided to vie for Constituency: 107 the All People’s Congress Town/Village: Koya (APC), the incumbent party at the time. She said Rural, Newton her husband’s brother is District: Western Area the local APC Member of Rural Parliament and they live in Result: Elected one of the strongholds of the APC, which guided her decision to run under the APC umbrella. She said, “I have also been very active Alimatu Kamara is a the challenges and hardships in the APC party and I have direct, organised, warm, faced by her constituents. been the constituency Youth and passionate first-time She said, “The quality of Chairlady for 15 years.” politician and newly elected education in this area is local councillor. She is a very low. We have far more She added, “My family Head Teacher at a Muslim boys in class than girls, for was generally happy for my school. She organised example. My campaign decision to run for office… a positive, structured platform was based on My husband was concerned campaign that was clear, community needs, women’s about my job, which is very simple, and direct. empowerment, girls’ important to me. But, when education and other vices I explained that I would keep Alimatu says she decided to like teenage pregnancy.” my job, he came around and run for councillor “because supported my decision.” my people called upon Alimatu’s school is a me to do so.” As a Head community hub for children Fraught with challenges Teacher at a Muslim school, and parents. She noted, Alimatu is used to the “Sitting with the community The 2018 elections were, responsibility and authority people, I learned about their at times, fraught with required for politics. She problems like the lack of challenges, according to said, “Women hardly put water, lack of vocational Alimatu. She noted the themselves forward for skills training, lack of light, negative influence of party any political offices in my and so on. I think I can make politics and issues that community. Hence as a a difference and improve the did not have to do with woman our participation was community.” service to the people. She of prime importance to me.” cited, “President Koroma’s A political family involvement in the selection As a teacher and pillar of process was not okay her community, Alimatu has Interestingly, Alimatu comes for me. It brought about first-hand experience with from a political family. disenchantment among

32 December 2018 many party supporters and convention. I think I can that was why we lost the influence the party to elections. And, the political include more women and landscape during and after become a stronger party.” the election was tense and people were divided.”

Alimatu also noted the level of intimidation from opposition supporters. She said she felt somewhat afraid, especially at night, but took precautions and was careful. She said, “There were times I was discriminated against but that is just part of our male dominated society.” Alimatu’s campaign, she said, was clear, simple and direct. She developed a team of core campaigners who were organised into areas and sectors. “I had about 10 on my campaign team, which was a mix of men and women, young and elderly and they went door-to-door “I think I can influence the and talked to people.” party to include more women In preparation for the campaign, Alimatu attended two training sessions from a and become a stronger party.” Trócaire-supported partner, CARL. She said public speaking and confidence building were the two highlights of the training. Further, she mentioned learning about dress codes, local government operations, and politics in general.

Alimatu is thinking about her future as a politician and wants to become more involved with the party hierarchy. She said, “I want to run for a position to the parent body in the next APC On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 33 Rebecca Kamara Bombali Ran for: Council “We need water, roads and Party: Sierra Leone markets and I was sure I People’s Party (SLPP) could help them develop Ward: 123 themselves. I also ran Constituency: 038 because, as a teacher, I see Town/Village: Shebora the quality of education and want to do something about District: Bombali that.” Rebecca also runs a Result: Not Elected nursery school for nearly 100 young learners.

Rebecca noted the increase in attention for women candidates in this election and appreciated the training Rebecca Kamara is an uphill struggle. But, she provided by Trócaire and articulate, experienced, said, “I knew it would be others. She said, “I learned insightful, and active difficult but I kept telling a lot about campaigning and politician. She ran for voters that a mixed party becoming known. I also election in an area that Council would be better for learned a little about the typically votes for the one and all. Everyone in the Political Parties Registration opposing party. Rebecca community would be better Commission (PPRC) and experienced intimidation, served if we have more than some of the laws that harassment, and even one party represented on govern elections.” threats to her life during her Council.” campaign. Violence and Didn’t pay off this time Rebecca ran for local council intimidation in 2007, in a by-election Her unique campaign in 2018, and faced voters “The level of violence strategy didn’t pay off this again in 2018. She ran for and intimidation during time around but she remains local council under the this campaign was positive about her party umbrella of the Sierra Leone not surprising, but it and about the future. “The People’s Party (SLPP) in was surprising to me SLPP won the presidency an area of the country that personally,” she said. but lost Parliament to the typically votes for the All Rebecca experienced APC. So, the governance of People’s Congress (APC). intimidation, harassment, this country is divided and She is a long-time SLPP and even threats to her mixed. Hopefully, we will supporter, originally from the life. During the campaign, see some unity and some south, and has been a party a colleague threatened to development.” member since 1996. stab her because of her party affiliation. Rebecca “I ran in this election to She was under no illusion reported the matter to the help the people of my and realised she faced an school administration who community,” she said. intervened and mediated a

34 December 2018 resolution to the argument. were ever made in the for a seat in Parliament. attack. She said, “I felt afraid almost throughout the “I’d seen enough to be elections. Party politics very afraid.” was very difficult and very divided.” She also noted the Feeling afraid for her safety, gender-based verbal attacks Rebecca left her house and and harassment. When she moved to stay with relatives was asked about the role of in the south. She said, “The the police, she responded, day of the election, I left the “I don’t trust the police to area because I couldn’t trust do what they’re supposed the authorities and I’d seen to do. In this area, they are enough to be very afraid.” not neutral and I have no confidence in them.” She said she’d seen beatings, harassment, and At one point during all kinds of threats – mainly the election campaign, politically based but also Rebecca’s front door to because she was a woman. her house was smeared She also received a letter with feces, apparently pinned to her compound by a supporter from a entrance that said her house different party. The attack would be burned if she was publicised widely in continued with the SLPP. the media but very quickly politicised. There were Rebecca waged a strong accusations and counter- campaign and spent accusations thrown about approximately Le. 15 and the matter was million (€ 1,705) of her own “I ran in eventually dismissed. The money. She said, “We issue was reported to the didn’t get support from the police who responded by party but everyone knew this election first asking for money to where I stood. The party investigate and then took put up posters and banners to help the pictures of her doorway. with the pictures of the presidential candidate and She said the police were the vice.” people of my not helpful. At one point, soldiers were called to her Despite the challenges, community.” compound and the military threats, and hassles of this personnel questioned election campaign, Rebecca neighbours and the is not deterred. She said, surrounding community. “I will continue to be an She said, “This seemed to advocate and strong party calm the situation but only supporter. I might even vie because it went beyond for a local position within the the local police and made it party.” Rebecca is ambitious into the media.” No charges and eventually wants to run

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 35 RECOMMENDATIONS

Training design, recommended that further campaign.” These sessions training sessions maintain would be joint sessions content, targeting, and and build on these modules. with candidates and their duration Other modules in this “managers.” curriculum should include It is clear that candidates speech writing and how to Many candidates do not and aspirants are in need develop talking points for have e-mail accounts and are of additional and enhanced campaign speeches. unfamiliar with the Internet training sessions with more and e-communications. in-depth political content Training content should Candidates, during training and localised, specialised include financial awareness, sessions, should be curricula. Training of this record-keeping, accounting, coached on setting up and level requires multiple and fundraising. Most of the using e-mail accounts to sessions over a longer candidates were not aware communicate with their period of time. of nor were they able to political parties, supporters, account for monies used and financiers. It is recommended that a during the campaign period. clearly written and illustrated The training curriculum Campaign Manual/ Training sessions could should include sessions on Workbook be developed and include orientation sessions how to use social media, distributed to candidates as and information workshops including WhatsApp and part of the training sessions. for spouses and/or Facebook, to build networks, The Workbook would family members who are promote ideologies and include campaign planner supportive of a candidate’s platforms, and secure pages, maps, contact lists, run for office. These support for candidates. fundraising tips, etc. information sessions would Social media can be a be geared to emotional powerful tool in a politician’s Alongside a “Campaign and moral support in the arsenal of campaign Manual/Workbook,” candidate’s homes and activities. copies of the Sierra Leone communities. Constitution and local laws Most of the candidates governing elections should Most of the candidates had very little experience be distributed to candidates. were bolstered by one with Council or A training curriculum or two key supporters, Parliament’s proceedings. should be designed to who were referred to as It is recommended that communicate and teach “campaign managers.” training sessions involve the fundamentals of these These supporters included familiarisation fieldtrips documents. extended family and to council meetings and sometimes neighbours. parliamentary sessions All of the candidates talked Information sessions and prior to a candidate about the importance training should be offered to deciding to run for office. of “confidence” and those significant people who These sessions could “public speaking.” It is are charged with “running a involve “mentor” women

36 December 2018 politicians with experience neutrality, safety issues, and promotional items such in campaigning and security challenges. as hats, fans, t-shirts, and governance procedures. posters. Implementing Partners It is recommended that Elections are not “one training sessions involve off” events but are part Implementing partners political parties and seek of a larger political cycle. receive funding, based on input into curriculum and It is recommended that proposals, from international content. Party policies/ partners increase the level agencies to carry out manifestos should be of civic education in day-to- project-based support to discussed and explained to day operations/programs women candidates. candidates. geared to potential women candidates and leaders. It is recommended that The trainings could include Alongside these activities, partners should design basic literacy and reading it is recommended that and conduct more training skills for some candidates partners begin to institute sessions with aspirants and but should include the following: candidates and enhance matching weaker readers the training sessions with a with stronger readers. • Networks of women more detailed and specific Adult and learner focused through WhatsApp or curriculum. Additional materials, specific to politics meetings. Electronic training materials could and elections, should be communications include: included as handouts and networks via social learning resources. media and websites. • Detailed maps of • Mentoring programs with candidate’s areas, Running for a political office senior or experienced • Laws governing political in Sierra Leone often creates women politicians. parties, elections, and a false understanding of a • Regular contact with governance. candidate’s financial and potential women’s political strength. All of the leaders. Partners should ensure candidates spoke about that training sessions and “community expectations” National campaigns to “vote training venues consider when it came to giving out for more women”, including the needs of working money, food, or incentives. marches, and promotional mothers, and they should Training sessions should items were effective during aim to create a child-friendly include strategies for dealing the 2018 election campaign. environment or provide for a with these often inaccurate These national advocacy child-care arrangement. public perceptions of campaigns should continue political candidates. Training and possibly be expanded. Specific individualised sessions should include how An example of the national promotional items and to manage expectations and campaign activities was the elections materials what to say when people Women’s March, which proved a significant ask for or expect money for helped in awareness raising advantage to three of votes. and voter education. the women candidates in the 2018 elections. It is It is recommended that As part of the identification recommended that partners local police be invited to and preparations for help candidates to design, training sessions to discuss potential candidates, pay for, and disseminate

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 37 partners should conduct It is recommended that Political campaigns involve research into the actual political parties pay more spending money and costs of running for political attention to the selection fundraising. And, according offices. Women should have of candidates from MPs to to the PPRC each party a very clear understanding local councillors. Political executive must submit of what it takes to run a parties need be more critical audited financial statements campaign and run in an in their analysis of potential following an election. election. aspirants and award party But, none of the women symbols based on merit and candidates consulted were During key informant potential. able to keep track of income interviews with candidates, or expenditures during their it was noted the average It is recommended that campaign. Political parties amount spent on political parties start a should rigorously enforce their campaigns was national dialogue among existing political party approximately Le. 15 – 20 political parties, electoral finance legislation via the million (€ 1,700 – 2,300). institutions, and civil society PPRC. to deliberate on the impact Political parties of money on politics and the Further efforts, through expectations citizens and both formal and informal politicians have in terms of channels, should be There is still a view held its regulation. undertaken to increase the by many men, and some transparency of election women, that politics is Political party policies/ spending, including requiring not a fit place for “ladies.” manifestos were developed candidates and parties to be Women are marginalised by four of the sixteen parties more open about the costs within political parties for the 2018 elections. they incur. in “women’s sections/ These manifestos form the wings,” which gives them basis of campaigns and Political parties should only nominal consultative help set the direction for engage candidates and roles, while excluding them a party, if elected. Parties voters about the negative from the mainstream of the should seek the input of implications of making party. Very few women are women candidates and direct financial demands on included in decision-making supporters during the policy their candidates, MPs, and roles within parties. development stage. These councillors. important documents should It is important for political be discussed and explained Campaigns and elections parties to ensure their to candidates prior to require financial internal processes and election campaigns. contributions. Political practices are gender- parties should conduct sensitive. This includes Party manifestos should research into the costs of making a clear commitment be given to each party running for office in Sierra to gender equality through a candidate prior to the Leone at the local council gender policy or by including election campaigns. and MP levels and provide gender-sensitive elements Additionally, political parties financial support, particularly in party strategic plans, should offer orientation to women candidates. ensuring that women are sessions to their selected/ represented throughout the elected candidates well in Political parties should entire organisation, including advance of any campaign. continue to engage with the leadership roles.

38 December 2018 media to enhance coverage quorum of three members. of women candidates and The commissioners, besides Political parties stationed women’s issues during a their assigned functional observers at polling stations campaign. One of the most roles, are responsible for and individual candidates influential activities during one province of the country often stationed their own the election campaign was each (West, North, East, supporters at local polling the leadership, youth, and and South). Since the 2017 stations. The expense women’s debates. It is administration reform of these observers was recommended that political added a new province, the covered by political parties parties continue participating commissioner originally or individual candidates. in open, public debates that covering the North province The party observers relayed are broadcast and covered is responsible for both information back to party by the media. the North and North-West campaign offices and tallying regions. centres. But, at the local It also is recommended that level, candidates were not consideration be given to All candidates have to pay a officially notified about legislating an affirmative nomination fee prescribed poll results. NEC should action quota system by the NEC and approved issue official letters and enforcing 30 percent women by the parliament. A documentation to each in positions of authority parliamentary bill to reduce candidate in each Ward, into the electoral process the prohibitively high non- Region, and constituency system, political parties, refundable nomination immediately following the and electoral management fees was rejected by MPs, announcement of election bodies. despite criticism of the results. high fees by political parties Electoral Management and a recommendation to It is recommended that reduce them by the EU NEC and other electoral Bodies EOM in 2012. This problem management bodies was somewhat alleviated collect and analyse sex- The National Electoral by negotiations with the disaggregated data. This will Commission (NEC) is government initiated by the aid in further research and composed of a Chief PPRC, which led to the state targeted support. Electoral Commissioner covering up to 70 percent of (Chair) and four Electoral the cost. The still high fees, Security Sector Commissioners, appointed combined with unequal by the president after financial positions among All of the women candidates consultation with the leaders parties, among individual cited their mistrust and of all registered political candidates, and between negative perception of local parties and approved by the genders considerably tilted police personnel. The Sierra parliament. the playing field in favour Leone Police (SLP) came of larger parties, wealthy under significant pressure The tenure of office of candidates, and men. from local and national the commissioners is five authorities despite the years, and the current Chair, It is recommended that the rhetoric about remaining Mohamed N’fa Alie Conteh, NEC revisit nomination fees neutral and efficient. The was sworn in February and lower fees to parties police should remain neutral 2015. NEC decisions are and candidates running for and carry out their duties to taken by a simple majority local council and parliament. the letter of the law. of votes with the necessary

On the Campaign Trail: Documenting Women’s Experiences during the 2018 Elections in Sierra Leone 39 The SLP should institute women’s voices. will help women candidates, a “hotline” for candidates implementing partners, and to call if there are any The national debates, funders in other countries to security concerns. All organised by the media, for enhance the role of women concerns and situations, party leadership, women, in politics and governance. from verbal harassment to and youth, should continue physical threats, should be with full participation investigated and pursued of political parties and by sufficiently trained candidates. personnel. Conclusion It is recommended that local police be involved The inquiries and findings with candidates prior to and of this report are meant to during election campaigns. It document and summarise is important that candidates some of the experiences of have a connection to women who participated in specific police personnel at the 2018 elections in Sierra the local level. Leone. The women in this report received support Media and Civil Society and training from local organisations with funds The media play a significant from international partners. role during and after an It is a select group but election campaign period. representative of women It is recommended that across the country. the media continue to implement and obey In hindsight, all of the all Independent Media women said they learned Commission (IMC) political a lot from the process. reporting guidelines for For the most part, the responsible journalism. candidates said they had positive experiences while This includes: also suffering discrimination, intimidation, and hardships. • Ensuring a level playing All but one of the candidates field at the local level interviewed said they would by including women in run for political office again, discussion programs and which is a good indication political call-in shows, of their strength and • Continuing to offer determination to see more “free” air time to women women in politics. candidates, • Covering all women Ultimately, this report will candidate events and serve to guide the selection, activities as news items, training, and support to Fatmata Alpha Kamara with her and women candidates in Sierra husband. • Paying specific attention Leone’s next election. It is Photo: Stephen Douglas to national issues and also hoped that this report

40 December 2018

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