A female teacher at work, Sierra Leone. Photo Credit: Majority World/Getty Images

Society Sierra Leone12. February 2023

Gender Equality Win: “For So Long We Haven’t Been Fair to You”

Sierra Leone has passed a ground-breaking law that greatly improves women’s rights, betting on the female population to thrive on a professional level and contribute to the country’s prosperity in a safe manner.

“It means a lot to women in Sierra Leone,” says Manty Tarawalli, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs since women have been “crying” out “for years” for this change. Discrimination against women in the workplace is a “big issue,” and the new law will “change the status quo.”

According to the new Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 30% of public and private jobs must go to women. From now on, female employees can hold senior positions in the workplace. They also have access to bank credit and training opportunities, and benefit from a 14-week maternity leave. This new law sends a clear message to young female pupils that “there are opportunities for them in Sierra Leone for employment for business,” and they can contribute to the country’s economy. Should employers fail to respect the new gender ratios, harsh repercussions will be enforced. Institutions like banks that don’t give women fair access to financial support could face hefty fines and prison time. Sierra Leone is the first sub-Saharan African country to pass such a law.

Source:
BBC

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