1 Women’s role in integrated rural development in Sierra Leone
2 Positioning of Sierra LeoneSierra Leone is a member of the Mano River Union (MRU) along with Guinea, Liberia and The Ivory Coast. Since 2000 the country has improved its position in the Human Development Index, (HDI) moving up 10 places but it still lies towards the bottom at 181 out of 187 (2014, HDI, UNDP, 2014 most recent available figures). Revenue collection to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in Sierra Leone is an average 12. 6% compared to Liberia 18%, ADB, (2013). Only 40% of the rural population has access to an improved water source, compared to Guinea 59% and Ivory Coast 60%, 1. 3% of the population has access to improved sanitation compared to Guinea 19%, Ivory Coast 24% and Liberia 32%. The average for Sub-Saharan Africa is 39%. There are similar figures for urban water supply. Sixty three per cent of the population is under 25 with youth unemployment projected to reach 70% in the next five years.
3 Facts about women in Sierra LeoneS.L.. ranked 139 out of 148 countries in Human Development Report’s Gender Inequality Index (2013). Women in S.L. suffer high levels of gender-based violence (GBV). 890 out of every 100,000 women die due to pregnancy-related causes. Infant mortality rate 104.2% per 1,000 live births. literacy rate for women, 37% in 2015. Primary school enrolment for girls reaching parity with boys but completion rates drop. 24% girls complete SSC, (AfP 2013 – 2018). 48% girls drop out of school by 18. Only 5% of girls progress to secondary or higher level education compared to boys 20. 4%. Since the end of the eleven year conflict in % of households are headed by females. (SLDHS survey 2013). 13% of girls are married by 15 yrs.. 39% girls are married before 18 yrs. Over 90% of girls go through initiation (FGM) 51% of population are agriculturists, 75% - 80% of those are women.
4 Historical and political issues contributing to women and girl’s low statusNo single factor can be attributed exclusively to the low status of women in Sierra Leone. Key stages of the country’s complex history have contributed to the disadvantaged position of women and girls. Trans-Atlantic and indigenous slavery. A deep-rooted patriarchal system. Powerful male and female secret societies. Colonialism. The impact of the eleven-year civil war(1991 – 2002) on women and girls. Absence of meaningful implementation of government education, healthcare and agricultural policies designed to support women and girls. Disconnects and low capacity in bureaucratic hierarchies . Impact of the Ebola pandemic (EVD) 2014.
5 Legislation and Initiatives designed to support womenCEDAW (1999) Convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, ratified by Sierra Leone (2007) UNSCRs 1325, 1820, 1888 three of several UNSCRs designed to protect women in the post-conflict phase. (ratified but with exemption from selected protocols) Three Gender Bills (2007) enacted: “to radically improve women’s position in Sierra Leone” Domestic Violence Act – introduction of new offence for acts of domestic violence. Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act – children under 18 not allowed to marry. Devolution of Estates Act – women can inherit without obligation to marry husband’s brother. Government Initiatives Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI) launched April 2010 available for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five Universal primary education (UPE) (2003) Smallholder commercialisation programme (SCP) linked to global agriculture and food security programme (GAFSP). Agricultural budget increased from 1. 6% to 10% of national buget. National Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (NSADP) “Farm for Business” plan to build capacity through farm field schools (FFS), Agricultural Business Centres (ABCs).
6 Conceptual Development FrameworkCommunity leaders Multilaterals/Bilaterals National Actors COMMUNITYWOMEN International Actors State
7 Addressing disconnects: creating dialogues (1)District Villages and settlements in district Community leaders Women’s networks Women’s groups Indiviuals
8 Addressing disconnects: creating dialogues (2)UN agencies INGOs Government ministries and officials CBOs, NGOs MPs Councillors Community workers Local community representatives
9 Latouche “8 R’s” Re-evaluate, reconceptualise, restructure, redistribute, relocalise, reduce, re-use, recycle Radicalise, reconvert, redifine, reinvent (democracy), resize, remodel, rehabilitate, reduce speed, relax, render, repurchase, reimburse, renounce, rethink resist. Latouche relates Renew, Rediscover, Reintroduce, Recuperate to a break in economic dependency on the north.
10 Issues / observations highlighted during the research process (1)Evidence of severe disconnects between legislation and implementation of government health, education and agricultural initiatives Evidence of lack of direct channels of effective communication between policymakers, levels of bureaucracy and communities. Evidence of the burden this places on community women. Evidence of community’s and women’s frustration with lack of progress. Lack of awareness by government and agencies of immense potential of economic, social and cultural capital existing in communities.
11 Issues / observations highlighted during the research process (2)Lack of awareness by government and agencies of local knowledge women’s groups and communities possess and their ability (with financial and technical support) to direct sustainable, long-term development. Women’s struggle to put survival strategies in place without support. Communities / women’s lack of awareness of rights and entitlements – exacerbated by high levels of illiteracy, lack of education. Key development issues highlighted in this study are common to both urban and rural settlements. The impact on rural groups is more severe due to dependency on agriculture and absence of agricultural training and input. Communities are existing at basic survival levels. The scale and structure of conventional ‘development models’ appear inappropriate in these communities where development needs to be gradual and relatively small-scale requiring long-term support and input.
12 Women’s contribution to sustainable developmentWomen’s fundamental role in post-conflict reconstruction must be fully recognised. The value of women’s indigenous knowledge and inherent skills in rural development must become central to initiatives. All girls to receive education to a standard that ensures they can be independent and fulfill their potential. Women to be linked into the mainstream and fully included in the decision-making process.