Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Country Over View
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
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
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
- 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
- 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
