By: James Kamara-Manneh
In the recent release of The World Bank’s flagship annual report, Sierra Leone has emerged as a focal point for gender equality advancements, as highlighted in the 2024 edition of Women, Business and the Law (WBL) report. The report, which evaluates progress towards legal gender equality across 190 countries, underscores Sierra Leone’s significant strides in implementing crucial reforms.
Between October 2022 and October 2023, only 18 countries globally introduced legal reforms aimed at enhancing gender equality, with Sierra Leone being one of them. Among the ten indicators evaluated by the report, Sierra Leone showcased notable progress across various domains including Safety, Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Childcare, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension.
Sierra Leone’s recognition stems from its commitment to enacting reforms that directly impact women’s rights and economic empowerment. The country’s initiatives have bolstered key indicators such as Pay and Marriage, resulting in a substantial increase in its score on the 2024 WBL index. With a score of 82.5, Sierra Leone now stands alongside nations like Singapore, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its significant advancement in gender equality.
Specific reforms enacted by Sierra Leone include measures to mandate equal pay for work of equal value and the removal of restrictions on women’s employment in industrial and hazardous jobs. Additionally, the country has implemented legislation to combat domestic violence comprehensively. Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Liability address various forms of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, and financial violence within family dynamics.
Tatiana Proskuryakova, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia, lauded Sierra Leone’s progress, emphasizing the positive impact of these reforms on women’s civil, labor, and economic rights. The World Bank has played a significant role in supporting Sierra Leone’s reform agenda, providing both analytical and financial assistance to the government. This support, delivered through development policy operations, underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering equitable and prosperous societies worldwide.
Sierra Leone’s recognition in the 2024 WBL report not only highlights its commitment to gender equality but also serves as a testament to the country’s dedication to transformative social and economic reforms. As Sierra Leone continues on this trajectory, it is poised to create a more inclusive and thriving society for all its citizens, regardless of gender.
