International Women's Day (IWD) serves as a crucial moment of reflection and advocacy, shedding light on the progress, challenges, and opportunities for gender equality globally. The l 2025 IWD theme, "For All Women and Girls: Rights Equality Empowerment," resonates deeply as Sierra Leone continues its efforts to dismantle gender inequalities and enhance women's empowerment. While legislative frameworks such as the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Law represent significant strides, the effectiveness of these policies remains contingent upon robust implementation, cultural shifts, and systemic reforms. This article examines the state of women's empowerment in Sierra Leone, contextualizing IWD within the broader struggle for gender equality and assessing the impact of the GEWE Law in fostering sustainable progress.
Sierra Leone's Gender Landscape: Progress and Persistent Challenges
Sierra Leone's commitment to gender equality has seen significant progress in recent years. The introduction of the GEWE Law in 2022 marked a significant milestone in institutionalizing gender parity across economic, political, and social domains. The law mandates 30% female representation in both public and private sectors, equal employment opportunities, and stronger protections against gender-based violence (GBV). These advancements, while not without challenges, are a testament to the country's dedication to gender equality.
According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2023, Sierra Leone ranked 118th out of 146 countries, indicating significant gaps in women's economic participation, political representation, education, and health outcomes. Women account for nearly 51% of the country's population but remain underrepresented in decision-making processes. Economic disparities further exacerbate gender inequality, with women predominantly engaged in informal and subsistence labour, often without access to financial services, land ownership, or entrepreneurial opportunities.
The prevalence of gender-based violence remains alarming, with national data indicating that over 60% of women in Sierra Leone experience some form of GBV in their lifetime. Child marriage continues to be a pressing issue, with 30% of girls married before the age of 18, undermining their access to education and economic independence. Maternal mortality, though declining, remains high at 443 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting systemic gaps in healthcare access and quality.
International Women's Day as a Catalyst for Gender Equality
IWD in Sierra Leone should not be a ceremonial observance but a platform for advocacy, policy evaluation, and renewed commitments toward gender equality. The 2025 IWD celebrations, held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown yesterday, brought together key stakeholders, including Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs Dr Isata Mahoi, the Presidential Gender Adviser, Isatu Jabbie- Kabbah among others. These high-level engagements underscored the urgency of bridging gender gaps and accelerating the implementation of the GEWE Law.
IWD serves as an accountability mechanism, compelling policymakers to assess progress and address bottlenecks in gender policies. It also amplifies grassroots movements and civil society organizations crucial in community mobilization and policy advocacy. The presence of international partners such as the United Nations and the Irish Embassy further strengthens Sierra Leone's capacity to integrate global best practices into its gender policies.
The Implementation of the GEWE Law: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice
While the GEWE Law establishes a strong legal framework, its full implementation remains challenging due to socio-cultural barriers, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited resource allocation. Several critical factors must be addressed to ensure its effectiveness:
Government agencies implementing the GEWE Law require adequate funding, trained personnel, and enforcement tools. The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs must collaborate with other government institutions to ensure sector compliance.
Many communities, particularly in rural areas, remain unaware of the provisions of the GEWE Law. Nationwide sensitization campaigns, integrating traditional and digital media, are essential in fostering societal acceptance of gender equality policies.
Women's economic empowerment is fundamental to achieving gender equality. Expanding access to credit facilities, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support for women can drive economic inclusivity and reduce gendered economic disparities.
The establishment of more specialized courts for GBV cases, increased investment in survivor support services, and stronger legal deterrents are critical in tackling gender-based violence effectively.
Beyond legal mandates, deliberate efforts must be made to support female political aspirants through mentorship programs, campaign financing support, and electoral reforms that eliminate systemic biases against women.
The Road Ahead: A Collective Responsibility
Realizing gender equality in Sierra Leone is not the responsibility of a single entity but a collective effort that involves government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, the private sector, and the media. The media, in particular, plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions of gender equality. By amplifying women's voices, exposing gender injustices, and promoting positive narratives of women's leadership, the media can significantly influence cultural attitudes and policy priorities. This collective responsibility engages all stakeholders and ensures that gender equality is not just a goal but a reality we all work towards.
Furthermore, male allyship is essential in dismantling patriarchal structures that hinder gender equality. The "HeForShe" movement, championed by President Julius Maada Bio, sets a precedent for engaging men and boys as advocates for women's rights. Sustainable progress requires shifting societal norms and ensuring that gender equality is not viewed as a "women's issue" but as a fundamental human rights concern that benefits all.
International Women's Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to advance gender equality in Sierra Leone. The GEWE Law provides a robust legal foundation, but its full realization depends on strategic implementation, community engagement, and unwavering political will. As Sierra Leone navigates its path toward gender equity, the commitment of all stakeholders remains imperative. True empowerment is not just about policy enactment; it is about creating a society where women and girls can thrive, free from discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers.
As we continue celebrating IWD, let it be a moment of renewed commitment to building a Sierra Leone where gender equality is not merely aspirational but an everyday reality. The path to transformation lies in action, and the time for action is now.
Yours sincerely
Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah
+ 232 79 107752
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