麻豆约拍

The atmosphere in Sierra Leone right now is electric.

In just a few days, more than three million Sierra Leoneans are expected to turnout to elect a new president, parliament and local council officials across the country. And, as we enter the closing stages of campaigning, discussions are becoming increasingly animated.

From the economy to jobs, and education to social welfare - everything is a priority. Well, that's not surprising for one of the poorest countries of the world.

But as we go into the elections, campaigners and observers predict there will be a significant drop in the number of women in the next parliament. Only 13% of the total number of candidates are women, and this dismal figure comes after commitments from political parties to increase the number of women and people with disabilities in political office.

So a clear priority for me and the 麻豆约拍 Media Action team in Sierra Leone is the responsibility of the media to tell the stories of often-marginalized groups - to help increase their participation in our democratic processes.

We're working to reach these groups through radio and social media. Our national radio show Dis Na Wi Voice (This is Our Voice) helps women and people with disabilities face and overcome the issues they're facing - whether it's how to reach their political aspirations, or tackling the barriers to their fight for equality.

The stories from Dis Na Wi Voice are amplified on - the largest in the country. And quite often now we tell digital first stories. If we can't cover it on Dis Na Wi Voice we creatively tell it online.

What is important to them, is important to us.

True to it's name Dis Na Wi Voice was created to tell the the stories of women, by women, for women. The show's presenters, Eastina Massaquoi and Mariatu Kabba boldly bring women's issues to the fore, challenging stereotypes and inspiring women to take action to improve their own lives.

Everyday our team of passionate radio and social media journalists are examining the barriers preventing women and people with disability from making significant gains in their quest for representation and equality, both as prospective political candidates - and as voters.

While structural barriers remain the strongest force against women and people with disabilities seeking office in Sierra Leone, age-old myths and misconceptions also have a heavy influence on attitudes.

These entrenched beliefs won't change overnight but there are positive signs of progress. We spoke with Abu Bakarr, a listener in Kabala, northern Sierra Leone, who described how his prejudice changed after listening to Dis Na Wi Voice: "From what I have heard from the guests [on the show], I have understood that disability has nothing to do with witchcraft or a curse. If a disabled person runs for office and has all the qualifications that I am looking for, I will certainly vote them into any position in this country."

Pressing for progress

Challenges remain. Veteran campaigner Maude Peacock, spoke on Dis Na Wi Voice of her disappointment that although women made a strong statement of intent by putting themselves forward as potential candidates, they were denied party nominations. "It's sad, but we're not giving up," she said adding although women had been "shattered", they were not "battered" by the setback.

But women who are involved in politics are making it clear they are campaigning on an equal footing with male candidates. At a recent national debate 麻豆约拍 Media Action supported, women representing the leading political parties addressed important social and economic issues affecting the whole country, challenging traditional expectations that women only discuss women's issues.

For me and my team working on this project, we share Maude's mentality: the need to keep working, driven by the aspiration that we will one day experience shifts in attitudes that can bar women and people with disabilities from what every other Sierra Leonean enjoys-basic rights and equal opportunities.

We will keep pressing for progress.

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Ed Kargbo is the Head of Production for 麻豆约拍 media Action in Sierra Leone