By Ramatulai Leigh
Maybe it is highly likely that women are grossly underrepresented in the political space of Sierra Leone and maybe the reasons could as well be very obvious. Sierra Leonean women are significantly underrepresented in politics, despite making up over half of the country’s population. This disparity stems from a complex interplay of historical, socio-cultural, and economic factors that have traditionally restricted women’s roles to the domestic sphere and marginalized them from formal decision-making processes. Although recent legislative efforts, most notably the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, represent a major step forward, the road to true gender parity in political leadership remains challenging.
Historical and Socio-Cultural Barriers
The underrepresentation of women in Sierra Leonean politics is deeply rooted in historical and societal norms. Historically, Sierra Leonean society has been patriarchal, with power and leadership concentrated in the hands of men. Traditional and customary laws often limited women’s rights, particularly concerning property and inheritance, which further cemented their subordinate status. Even in the post-independence era, this ingrained male dominance persisted, creating a political landscape that was and, to a large extent, still is, unwelcoming to women.
A major barrier is the prevailing belief that politics is a male domain. Many people, both men and women, hold deeply entrenched views that a woman’s place is in the home, not in the public arena of politics. This mindset can lead to a lack of support from family members and even female voters, who may be hesitant to cast their ballots for a woman. Furthermore, women who do enter politics often face gender-based discrimination, intimidation, and hostility from male counterparts, which can discourage them from pursuing or continuing their political careers.
Economic and Structural Challenges
The financial aspect of politics presents a significant hurdle for women in Sierra Leone. Political campaigns are expensive, requiring substantial funds for mobilization, publicity, and logistical support. Given that women are disproportionately affected by poverty and have limited access to economic resources, raising the necessary capital to compete with male candidates is a formidable challenge. While there have been efforts by NGOs to provide financial support to female candidates, it is often insufficient to level the playing field.
Beyond finances, the structural organization of political parties themselves often disadvantages women. Women are frequently placed low on party lists or replaced at the last minute with male candidates, even when they have demonstrated strong community support and leadership skills. This lack of institutional support from their own parties makes it incredibly difficult for women to secure a winning position. The electoral system also plays a role; the reintroduction of the “first-past-the-post” system in 2007, for example, saw a drop in female representation in Parliament, as it incentivized political parties to field male candidates who were perceived to be more electable in a single-member constituency race.
The GEWE Act of 2022 – A Game Changer
In a landmark effort to address these systemic inequalities, the Sierra Leonean government enacted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act in 2022. This progressive piece of legislation is a significant victory for women’s rights advocates and marks a crucial turning point. The Act mandates a minimum 30% quota for women in both elective and appointive public positions, including Parliament, local councils, and government ministries. It also addresses broader issues of gender inequality, such as ensuring equal pay for equal work and providing paid maternity leave of at least 14 weeks.
The GEWE Act represents a monumental shift from a purely advocacy-based approach to a legally enforced one. By making a 30% quota a legal requirement, the Act compels political parties and public institutions to actively recruit and support women. The Act’s impact was evident in the 2023 elections, where the increased representation of women was a direct result of political parties being obligated to offer “safe political spaces” to female candidates. For the first time, Sierra Leone has a legislative framework to hold institutions accountable for gender parity.
Beyond Legislation
While the GEWE Act is a powerful tool, its success depends on rigorous implementation and a fundamental change in societal attitudes. The journey to genuine political empowerment for women in Sierra Leone must extend beyond a mere quota system. It requires:
Sustained Advocacy and Sensitization: Continued efforts by civil society organizations, like the 50/50 Group, and grassroots movements are vital to educate the public and dismantle the deeply ingrained cultural biases against women in leadership.
Capacity Building: Women aspiring to political office need access to training and mentorship to build confidence, leadership skills, and an understanding of political processes.
Financial Support: Mechanisms should be put in place to provide financial assistance to female candidates, helping them overcome the economic barriers to entry.
Cross-Party Collaboration: Both men and women in politics must work together to ensure the full implementation of the GEWE Act and to create a more inclusive and supportive political environment.
The underrepresentation of women in Sierra Leonean politics is a complex problem, but it’s not insurmountable. The GEWE Act of 2022 is a beacon of hope, providing the legal foundation for a more equitable political landscape. However, legislative change is only the first step. True gender parity will be achieved when the law is accompanied by a nationwide cultural shift that not only accepts but celebrates women as powerful and capable leaders, essential for the nation’s progress and development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,27th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
