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Gender equality in Sierra Leone: Violations to attract heavy penalty and jail

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In a significant development, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio recently signed a law requiring all public or private organizations to compulsorily reserve 30% of their jobs for women. That includes leadership positions.

In a significant development, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio recently signed a law requiring all public or private organizations to compulsorily reserve 30% of their jobs for women. That includes leadership positions. The government sources maintain that the Women’s Equality and Empowerment Act would completely redress the gender imbalances in the country, a long pending demand of the women’s organizations in the country.

The text also applies to Parliament where 30% of the 146 seats must be reserved for women. Some 18 women sit in Parliament today and four are among the 32 members of Mr. Bio’s government. However, analysts say that It’s not going to be easy because this space has been occupied by men for a very long time. The electoral processes have to be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency in the elections. Employers who do not comply with the law face a fine of 50,000 leones (2,400 euros) for each violation.

 

Read Also:

https://trendsnafrica.com/sierra-leone-passes-two-bills-to-empower-rural-landowners-and-women/

https://trendsnafrica.com/sierra-leone-introduces-gender-empowerment-bill/

https://trendsnafrica.com/sierra-leone-to-distribute-farm-equipment-to-farmers/

The text also aims to promote women’s access to financing.  It links public spending to equality between men and women. Those who deny women equal access to financial support risk at least three years in prison.

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