Addressing gender-based violence in Sierra Leone: Mapping challenges, responses and future entry points

This report is a mapping of the incidence of gender-based violence and the programmes that are being implemented to address it in Sierra Leone.

Historically, women have been discriminated against and are heavily under-represented in the traditionally male-dominated political and socio-economic decision-making structures of Sierra Leone.

Gender inequalities are prevalent throughout society, with women being more likely to be illiterate and suffer extreme poverty; their rights are frequently violated, and they have little access to resources and opportunities.

Gender-based violence (GBV) in its physical and structural forms is endemic in Sierra Leone. It is a security concern that also has broader economic and political consequences.

Therefore, failing to engage with the causes and effects of GBV will inevitably have long-term consequences for peacebuilding and development in Sierra Leone.