Understanding Gender Laws in Sierra Leone: A Practical Guide for Students, Advocates, and Policymakers

Introduction

In the last few years, the Sierra Leonean government under the presidency of Julius Maada Bio has made great efforts to combat gender equality. This includes the establishment of the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs in 2019, and in 2022 the passing of the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act (GEWE) in 2022. Despite these legislative and policy measures, progress has not been straightforward. Between 2023 and 2024, Sierra Leone moved up 32 places in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, signalling huge progress in gender parity. However, between 2024 and 2025 Sierra Leone saw a 3.1% decline in its gender parity falling by 32 places in the rankings erasing all the progress of the previous year. The perception of insufficient progress in gender equality is corroborated by popular opinion. A 2025 Afrobarometer Survey showed that 45% of Sierra Leoneans believe that the courts and police need to do much more to protect women and girls, while an additional 30% believe these institutions need to do somewhat more. This means that a monumental 75% of Sierra Leonean's believe that the protections offered by the current system are insufficient. In this context it is vitally important to understand the current structure of legislation governing women's rights and gender equality in Sierra Leone and the difficulties that occur when attempting to translate these laws from legal documents to real life gains.

Blog Outline

Using the Sabi Salone AI tool, which contains a comprehensive repository of policy, legislation and evaluation documents, this blog will provide a practical guide to gender laws in Sierra Leone for students, advocates, policymakers and anyone in between. Starting some context on the state of gender parity in in Sierra Leone, we will then go on to explore some of the key pieces of legislation that have been designed to ameliorate the situation. Finally, we will discuss some of the challenges that have been faced in the implementation of these laws, and what actions students, advocates and policymakers can take to help overcome these challenges. At the end of the blog, there is a section for Frequently Asked Questions, summarising some key takeaways and providing some food for thought on the key issues of gender equality and women's rights in Sierra Leone.

Background: Gender Equality in Sierra Leone

Women in Sierra Leone have historically faced a long history of interesting gender inequalities spanning the social, economic, and religious sectors of society. Sierra Leonean social norms are traditionally patriarchal, as embodied by customary laws that discriminate against women in inheritance and property rights. Gender-Based Violence also remains a significant problem in Sierra Leone with a 2019 survey reporting that 62% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 had faced either physical or sexual violence. Gender based violence has huge knock-on effects for Sierra Leonean women and girls, with women who get pregnant due to rape often facing stigma at school that can prevent them from getting an education. More generally, girls face many barriers towards receiving an education including early marriage and the prioritisation of male education which has created gender disparities in the national literacy rate. Politically and economically, Sierra Leonean women have been both marginalised and underrepresented. In 2018 when President Maada Bio was elected, only 11% of parliamentary seats were held by women, despite women being 52% of the population, encapsulating the stark gender inequalities in Sierra Leone. It is within this context of multidimensional gender inequality, that a number of laws have been passed over the last two decades, aiming to create a more equal and empowered future for Sierra Leonean women.

Legal Frameworks for Gender Equality in Sierra Leone: A Summary

For the purposes of this blog, we will be focusing on a few landmark pieces of legislation designed to advance the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone. These are the 1991 Constitution, the 2007 Gender Acts, the 2007 Child Rights Act, the 2012 Sexual Offences Act, the 2022 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act and the 2024 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. In the following paragraphs will explore in detail each piece of legalisation, and the protections and rights it provided for women and girls.

The 1991 Constitution

The 1991 Sierra Leonean Constitution is the Supreme Law of the nation and contains two main sections that refer to or facilitate gender equality.

Section 15 guarantees the fundamental human rights of life, liberty and security of person. Through it does not explicitly mention sex, basic human rights are vital to laying the foundation for women's rights.

Section 27 of the Sierra Leone Constitution guarantees equality before the law. Section 27(1) states that all people are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection and benefit from the law. Section 27(2) states that no one should receive discriminatory treatment by anyone acting by virtue of the law or in the performance of public office and authority. This explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

However, these provisions are caveated by Section 27(4) which asserts that that customary law is not subject to the principles of equality and non-discrimination. This creates a significant state of exception, as it effectively permits discrimination in areas of inheritance and marriage which are often governed by customary law.

The 2007 Gender Acts

The 2007 Gender Acts are a series of three legislative acts passed in 2007 which address three vital components of gender equality in Sierra Leone, gender-based violence, marital rights and inheritance rights.

1. Domestic Violence Act (2007)

Under this act, domestic violence is defined broadly and encompasses physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and financial abuse. The act applies to a range of domestic relationships including married couples but also cohabiting couples and individuals who are in relationships similar to marriage. The comprehensiveness of this definition of domestic violence and the scope of the law provides protection for victims facing all the different types of abuse that can occur in the domestic setting.

As well as criminalising domestic violence, this act provided protections for victims who face this abuse. Victims of domestic violence are empowered to file complaints to the police which the police are mandated to respond to quickly. Another significant feature is the ability for victims to apply for court protection orders which can prevent the abuser from contacting the victim, require the abuser to vacate shared homes and give temporary custody of any children. Individuals who violate these protection orders face penalties including fines or even imprisonment.

2. Devolution of Estates Act, 2007

The Devolution of Estates Act plays an important role in protecting the rights of women and children in inheritance matters. The act ensures that wives, children and other dependents can inherit property when a relative dies with or without a will.

In cases of intestate succession (where one dies without a will) the act outlines specific provisions for the distribution of the estate according to defined percentages. Crucially, the act grants the surviving spouse the right to claim the family home, combatting the common practice of widows being thrown out of their family homes.

For individuals who have left wills (testate succession), the act allows the will to be contested by dependents who feel that their rights have been ignored or undermined by the will. This also includes enabling those born out of wedlock to inherit from their parents.

This act provides some level of economic security for widows and avenues for redress for other dependents who have been excluded from the will, e.g. Female children.

3. Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act

This act requires the registration of all customary marriages, providing legal status to these marriages and as such protecting the rights of women within these unions. The recognition of customary marriages is a vital step for women to be able to access legal recourse in issues of divorce and inheritance.

The 2012 Sexual Offences Act

The 2012 Sexual Offences Act lays out definitions for a wide range of sexual offences including rape, indecent assault, sexual harassment, and child sexual abuse.

As well as criminalising rape, defined as penetration without consent, the law aims to protect children who are victims of sexual offences. It states that those under the age of 18 cannot give consent, therefore criminalising any sexual activity with minors. Teachers, healthcare workers and other professionals working with children are legally mandated to report suspected cases of abuse thus providing another layer of protection for young people.

The protection of victims is central to this law, with a number of measures designed to ensure the dignity and wellbeing of victims. To prevent the stigmatisation of victims there are provisions to protect their anonymity in court proceedings. There are also provisions for special measures for vulnerable victims such as children or those with disabilities to ensure that these victims can receive justice without being subjected to further trauma. Finally, the law mandates that victims of sexual offences should be provided with free medical treatment and free access to medical examination to provide prosecuting evidence. This removes financial obstacles to securing justice and recovering from traumatic incidents.

The 2022 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act (GEWE)

While the acts outlined above have primarily aimed to protect women from various harms, the GEWE Act aims not just to protect but to empower women as political and economic agents.

Firstly, this act aims to increase the role of women in governance and decision-making processes by establishing a minimum 30% representation quota for elected and appointed offices. This is complemented by the 2022 Public Elections Act which stipulates that for every three candidates nominated for public office, at least one must be a woman. As well as this, the GEWE Act dictates that gender considerations should be integrated into all policy programs and budgets meaning that the needs of women and girls are no longer secondary concerns.

The GEWE Act also strives to improve economic opportunities for women using a variety of mechanisms. Firstly, it mandates that women should receive equal pay for equal work and equal access to employment, effectively banning gender discrimination in employment and pay. Secondly, it enshrines the right to maternity leave with a minimum of 14 weeks, promoting women's wellbeing and workplace participation. Additionally, the GEWE act requires financial institutions to develop procedures that improve women's access to finance, opening up opportunities for female owned SMEs.

The 2024 Prohibition of Marriage Act

The final piece of legislation that will be discussed in this blog is the Prohibition of Child Marriage act of 2024. This act aims to put an end to child marriage and implement sanctions for violators to boost compliance.

Under this act, a child marriage is defined as a union involving one or two parties under the age of 18. This law is intended to work in conjunction with the Child Rights Act, and the Sexual Offences act to create a comprehensive framework that protects the innocence of children, and especially girls who are extremely vulnerable to these abuses.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act makes it illegal to facilitate marriages involving children, with anyone found guilty of officiating or attending a child marriage liable to face fines or jail time. This act also states that parents cannot "consent" to these marriages on behalf of their children, with any parental figure or legal guardian found to be doing so facing severe legal penalties. Victims of child marriage are able to petition for annulment if they were minors at the time of marriage and are may also be able to receive compensation.

Enforcement of these prohibitions encourages community engagement, with a large role for key stakeholders such as traditional leaders. Additionally, the act establishes the role of the child marriage officer whose job is to collect evidence for the prosecution and raise community awareness about the harms of child marriage.

Implementation Challenges

The laws outlined above paint a picture of a comprehensive legal landscape tackling key issues facing women and girls in Sierra Leone. So why both do public opinion and evaluation metrics feel that progress on gender equality and women's rights is so paltry? The answer lies in implementation. Passing laws in parliament while commendable is just the first step on the road to equality. It seems that Sierra Leonean institutions have fallen at the next hurdle, which is implementation, meaning that there is a gap between legal statutes and lived experiences. Until these acts come to life in the form of penalties, sanctions and legal recourse for victims they remain just words on a page. The next section of this blog will discuss some of the barriers obstructing the full implementation of Sierra Leone's women's rights and empowerment laws and steps that advocates, policymakers and students can take to overcome them.

1. Lack of Statutory Implements

Statutory instruments are secondary forms of legislation that provide more detailed rules and regulations to support the implementation of a parliamentary act. Some of the gender acts such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Devolution of Estates Act do not currently have accompanying statutory instruments, hindering the ability of law enforcement and the judiciary to enforce the laws set out in these acts.

2. Inadequate Funding

Programmes designed to address gender-based violence and inequality, such as the right of sexual offence victims to free healthcare require funding for implementation. However, these programmes do not receive sufficient budgetary allocations, restricting the capacity of government and other stakeholder partners to implement these services.

3. Weak institutional capacity

Related to the insufficient funding is the lack of capacity in many of the institutions who are responsible for implementing these programmes. The police and social services among others may lack sufficient training, infrastructure and manpower to fulfil the role required on them in the various acts, creating implementation deficits.

4. Cultural and Social Norms

As mentioned in the introduction, patriarchal beliefs are deeply entrenched in Sierra Leonean society. These beliefs undermine compliance with legislation such as the Child Marriage Act by shielding perpetrators and stigmatising victims who try to speak out.

Lack of Awareness and Education

Lack of widespread knowledge of new legislation means that many women do not know their rights. Without public awareness of these laws, victims are unable to recognise when their rights are been violated and seek justice.

What can I do as a student to improve the implementation of Sierra Leone's gender laws?

One of the primary challenges to robust implementation of gender laws in Sierra Leone is the lack of awareness of these laws. As a student, it is important to take opportunities to educate your fellow classmates, both male and female, about the current legislation on gender laws in Sierra Leone. This can also serve as a way of breaking down cultural norms about gender and patriarchy.

What can I do as an advocate to improve the implementation of Sierra Leone's gender laws?

Raising awareness of gender laws, and the cultural norms that impede their implementation is the primary role of a gender advocate in Sierra Leone. One way to do this is to partner with key community centres such as schools, religious institutions and traditional leaders. Engaging with key stakeholders and community leaders builds legitimacy and consensus for the implementation of these laws.

What can I do as a policymaker to improve the implementation of Sierra Leone's gender laws?

While the role of students and advocates is primarily education and consensus building, the efforts of policymakers are best spent addressing the institutional and political implementation challenges. Policymakers should vote or advocate to increase budget allocations for programmes addressing gender-based violence and discrimination in Sierra Leone to make sure that victims have access to justice. As well as this, it is important for policymakers to strengthen the capacity and resilience of institutions such as the judiciary to ensure they are equipped to tackle the implementation of gender laws in Sierra Leone. Finally, due to the absence of necessary statues preventing the enforcement of acts such as the Devolution of Estates Act, it may be necessary for policymakers to conduct a review of the current legal framework to develop new statues in cases where there are legal gaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is clear that the Sierra Leonean legislature has taken steps to address the scourge of gender-based violence and discrimination, but equally evident that there is still a long way to go. As the famous phrase goes, knowledge is power and Sabi Salone empowers students, advocates and policymakers with vital information to raise awareness and effect social change. The final section of this blog contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gender laws in Sierra Leone, providing a concise summary of some of the key points of this blog. If you have any more questions on an anything regarding Sierra Leonean policy head to Sabi Salone for accurate, referenced answers to all your Sierra Leone policy questions!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the key laws protecting the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone?

A: The key legal frameworks promoting gender equality in Siera Leone include the 1991 Constitution, the 2007 Gender Acts, the 2007 Child Rights Act, the 2012 Sexual Offences Act, the 2022 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act and the 2024 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Q: As a woman in Sierra Leone, what rights and protections am I afforded by these laws?

A: As a woman in Sierra Leone, you are entitled to a number of rights and protections under the current legal framework. Your rights include the right to equality before the law, to equal pay and employment opportunities and to maternity leave of at least fourteen weeks. As a widow, you are able to claim the right to remain in your family home. Additionally, you are legally protected from child marriage, sexual offences, and domestic violence.

Q: Who is responsible for enforcing gender laws in Sierra Leone?

A: There are many stakeholders involved in the enforcement of gender laws in Sierra Leone. These include the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, the Judiciary and Civil Society Organisations.

Q: Are there any other relevant laws pertaining to gender in Sierra Leone?

A: The 2023 Employment Act promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits workplace discrimination, while the 2005 Anti Human Trafficking Act helps to protect women and children from labour market exploitation.

Q: What other policies and strategies exist to combat gender inequality in Sierra Leone?

A: Outside the legislation listed above, there are several policies and initiatives designed to promote the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone. These include the National Policy on Gender Mainstreaming (2009), the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy (2020), the National Male Involvement Strategy for the Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (2020), and the Education Sector Plan (2022-2026).

Q: What are some of the key thematic priorities of Sierra Leonean gender laws and initiatives?

A: Some of the key priorities include health and reproductive rights, enhancing women's participation in policy and decision making, community engagement and addressing gender-based violence.

Q: What are some of the barriers to the implementation of Gender Laws in Sierra Leone?

A: The main barriers to the implementation of Sierra Leone's gender laws are a lack of statutory instruments for enforcement, insufficient funding for programmes, weak infrastructural capacity of enforcement institutions, lack of widespread knowledge of legislation and accompanying rights and protections, and cultural norms that undermine compliance.

Q: Where can I find more information about Gender Laws and Policies in Sierra Leone?

A: You can use Sabi Salone to find out more information about gender policies and laws in Sierra Leone. Sabi Salone also provides access to a comprehensive range of policy and grey literature making it a great tool for policymakers, students and advocates.