By Josephine Sesay

In recent years, Sierra Leone’s government has taken significant steps to promote gender equality, implementing policies aimed at enhancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls. From introducing laws that protect women from violence to promoting female education, the country has recognized the importance of gender parity for sustainable development. However, while these efforts are commendable, they barely scratch the surface of the deep-rooted gender inequality that still plagues Sierra Leonean society. The truth is, empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone is not just a moral or legal obligation, it is an economic necessity and a stepping stone toward national development.

Sierra Leone is full of minerals but yet people are still struggling to feeds themselves, despite the challenges, it is clear that empowering women and girls could serve as the catalyst for change. Women make up half of Sierra Leone’s population, but their potential remains largely untapped due to societal and cultural norms that limit their participation in the economy, politics, and other key areas of public life. For any nation to truly thrive, gender equality must be more than just a government policy on paper. It must be woven into the very fabric of society, and this is where Sierra Leone still has significant work to do.

The government has made strides in creating legal frameworks for gender equality. For instance, the Sexual Offences Act of 2012, which criminalizes gender-based violence, and the Education Act of 2021, which aims to provide free and quality education for girls, are steps in the right direction. But such laws alone are not enough to bring about genuine empowerment. Cultural norms that prioritize men’s authority over women, coupled with limited access to resources and opportunities for women, continue to undermine these policies. Child marriage remains widespread in Sierra Leone, with many girls forced into marriage at a young age, destroying our girls by not let the children be children, robbing them of their education and future prospects.

Furthermore, women in Sierra Leone still face significant barriers to economic participation. According to the World Bank, women in the country often have less access to financial. The government’s efforts to establish microfinance institutions and promote female entrepreneurship have been limited in scope and reach, leaving many women without the support they need to succeed economically.

Education is another critical area where women and girls in Sierra Leone continue to be marginalized. While the Education Act is a step forward, girls in rural areas still face tremendous barriers to schooling, including early pregnancies, cultural biases, and a lack of infrastructure.

What Sierra Leone needs is a more robust, multifaceted approach to empowering women and girls one that goes beyond legal frameworks and addresses the deeply ingrained cultural, economic, and social barriers that hold them back. The government must focus on creating an environment where women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This means tackling issues like child marriage, increasing investment in girls’ education, and creating policies that allow women to own property and access credit. The establishment of gender-sensitive budgeting and inclusive governance practices is equally essential in ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard but acted upon in the decision-making processes.

However, government efforts alone are not enough. Changing attitudes towards women and girls requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Civil society, religious groups, and communities must work together to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote positive role models, and create a culture where women are seen as equal partners in national development. Men and boys also play a crucial role in this transformation. They must be part of the conversation on gender equality, helping to dismantle the patriarchy that limits women’s rights and opportunities.

Sierra Leone’s path to true development hinges on its ability to empower women and girls. When women have the freedom, resources, and opportunities to succeed, the entire nation benefits. Empowering women leads to healthier families, stronger communities, and more resilient economies. If Sierra Leone is serious about achieving its development goals and lifting its citizens out of poverty, it must commit to not only promoting gender equality but to actively dismantling the barriers that prevent women and girls from realizing their full potential. Empowering women and girls, is not just an ideal, it is a fundamental prerequisite for the country’s future.