Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Country Over View
Population
Economic Landscape
Political Landscape
Social and Cultural Context
Gender Index Rankings
Population
Population
- Total Population: Approximately 8.5 million (as of 2024)
- Gender Distribution: 50.8% female, 49.2% male
- Youth Population: Over 60% under the age of 25
- Urban vs Rural Distribution: 42% urban, 58% rural
Economic Landscape
Economic Landscape
- GDP: $4.2 billion (2023 estimate)
- Key Industries: Mining (diamonds, rutile), Agriculture, Fisheries
- Women in Workforce: Approximately 55%, largely in informal sectors
- Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 30% less than men, particularly in informal sectors
Challenges: Economic instability, lack of access to financial services, employment insecurity for women
Political Landscape
Political Landscape
- Women’s Representation in Leadership:
- Parliament: 12.3%
- Local Government Leadership: Minimal representation
- Challenges: Deep-rooted cultural barriers, security risks, limited access to political participation
- Key Policies Promoting Gender Equality:
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy
- Sexual Offenses Act
Social and Cultural Context
Social and Cultural Context
- Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
- Patriarchal society with traditional gender roles
- Women are often responsible for caregiving and subsistence farming
- Traditional Barriers:
- Early marriages and teenage pregnancies
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) prevalence
- Limited access to education and healthcare for women
- Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
Gender Index Rankings
Gender Index Rankings
- Global Gender Gap Index (2023): Ranked 144th out of 146 countries
- Human Development Index (2023): 0.477 (Low human development)
- Women’s Empowerment Index: Slow progress in literacy and economic participation
- Challenges Identified: High maternal mortality rates, gender-based violence, lack of financial independence for women