Hon. Margaret F Johnson Calls For Collective Action To Address Poverty
Ladies and gentlemen,
Traditional Rulers good morning.
I stand before you today, deeply honored and humbled to be part of this crucial stakeholders’ engagement meeting. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Statistics Sierra Leone for this invitation, which resonates with two significant aspects of my life. Firstly, I am a woman, and my heart carries the nurturing spirit of a mother. Secondly, I proudly serve as a Member of Parliament representing the Kailahun district, and of 2 Chiefdoms, which are the Pejeh Bongre and the Penguia Chiefdom. These Chiefdoms, as you may be aware, are among the most impoverished and underprivileged regions in our beloved district, with a large female population of over 50%, with over 30% being young people.
About 70 to 80% live in poverty, with the little earning they make from their small scale farming.
My decision to enter the realm of politics and seek office in this district is deeply rooted in an innermost desire to connect with my people and address critical issues that have plagued our communities for far too long, such as poverty and deprivation. So, when the invitation from Statistics Sierra Leone arrived, calling upon us to join hands with other stakeholders in addressing poverty from our unique local perspective, I could not have been more elated.
We must acknowledge that poverty is a global issue, one that transcends borders and affects us all. However, it manifests itself in various forms, affecting us at different levels and in distinctive ways. We grapple with poverty on a global scale, we feel its impact nationally, and we experience it acutely in our local communities. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to examine it from a multidimensional viewpoint.
The approach we embark upon today, aiming to address our poverty challenges; starting at the grassroots level, is undeniably a step in the right direction. By recognizing the unique facets of poverty in our communities and involving local voices in the conversation, we stand a far better chance of crafting meaningful solutions.
On behalf of my fellow Parliamentarians and myself, representing this district, I wish to pledge our unwavering support for these vital developmental initiatives. We firmly believe that the transformation of our localities begin with an understanding of our specific challenges and opportunities. Together, we can create positive change and pave the way for a brighter future for our constituents and for our nation, as envisioned in the progressive priorities of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the champion of our national development trajectory.
Thank you to Statistics Sierra Leone! Thank you to everyone in attendance, as well as to all those who may not be present here now, but who are equally committed to the realisation of this noble cause. Let us work hand in hand, inspired by the spirit of collaboration, to combat poverty and create a better tomorrow for all and our future generations.
That is the only way forward to true progress!
