By Ramatulai Leigh
Sierra Leone, a nation woven with rich cultural heritage and a history of resilience, stands at a crossroads in its gender landscape. Traditional norms, shaped by patriarchal structures, continue to define roles for men and women, yet globalization, post-conflict recovery, and progressive policies are challenging these conventions. understanding and transforming gender roles and stereotypes is vital for fostering equitable development and social cohesion.
Sierra Leone’s patriarchal framework has historically assigned men as primary providers and decision-makers, dominating public life, politics, and labor intensive tasks like agriculture. Women, pivotal to household and community stability, have managed domestic responsibilities, small-scale trading, and subsistence farming, yet their contributions often remain undervalued, limiting access to education, land ownership, and political influence. With 38% of children under five facing malnutrition, women’s economic burdens are exacerbated by climate-driven crises, as highlighted in initiatives like Climate on the Ground: Farmers and Floods in Sierra Leone.
Cultural institutions like the Bondo and Poro societies reinforce gendered expectations, socializing girls into roles of obedience and domesticity, and boys into leadership and resilience. While these traditions strengthen community bonds, they can perpetuate stereotypes of female subservience and male dominance. Religious practices, predominantly Islam and Christianity, have historically reinforced these hierarchies, though progressive interpretations are emerging to advocate for equality.
Despite progress, entrenched stereotypes continue to shape Sierra Leonean society Women are celebrated for their strength in managing households and economic activities, yet this narrative often justifies overburdening them without adequate support. In regions like Kono, where mining pollution worsens food insecurity, women bear disproportionate burdens.
Men face intense expectations to be sole providers, driving stress and risky behaviors in an economy with high unemployment. This stereotype discourages men from engaging in domestic tasks, perpetuating labor imbalances.
While girls’ education has improved, subtle biases steer them toward feminine fields like teaching or nursing, limiting diversity in professions like engineering or politics, which are male-dominated.
Stereotypes viewing women as subservient contribute to domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Despite legal reforms, GBV remains a critical challenge, with underreporting due to social stigma.
The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022 mandates increased female participation in politics, equal pay, and maternity benefits, marking a significant step toward systemic change.
Expanded access to education and public campaigns are challenging norms, with 60% of the population under 35 embracing new perspectives on gender roles.
Migration to urban centers like Freetown and exposure to global ideas are reshaping aspirations, particularly among youth, who question traditional roles.
Initiatives engaging men and boys in promoting positive masculinities are fostering shared responsibilities, reducing the burden on women.
To achieve true gender equality, Sierra Leone must prioritize:
Robust implementation of the GEWE Act and accessible justice systems to protect women’s rights.
Nationwide campaigns to educate communities on the harm of gender stereotypes, emphasizing shared benefits of equality.
Expanding women’s access to finance, land, and entrepreneurial opportunities to reduce dependency and poverty.
Supporting women’s leadership at all governance levels to ensure diverse representation.
Strengthening prevention, victim support, and prosecution mechanisms to address violence effectively.
Sierra Leone’s path to prosperity hinges on unlocking the potential of all its citizens, free from restrictive gender norms. With vibrant advocacy and growing momentum, the nation is poised for transformative change, fostering a future where equality drives sustainable development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
