Description
Book SynopsisSince the 1991-2002 civil conflict ended in Sierra Leone, the country has failed to translate the accomplishments of women’s involvement in bringing the war to an end into meaningful political empowerment. This is in marked contrast to other post-conflict countries, which have increased the political participation of women in elected and appointed office, increased the representation of women in leadership positions, and enacted constitutional reforms promoting women’s rights. Written by Sierra Leonean and Africanist scholars and experts from a broad range of disciplines, this unique volume analyses the historical and contextual factors influencing women’s political, economic and social development in the country. In drawing on a diverse array of case studies – from health to education, refugees to international donors – the contradictions, successes and challenges of women’s lives in a post-conflict environment are revealed, making this an essential book for anyone involved in women and development.
Trade ReviewFinally, a book on post-conflict transitions that centres and celebrates the deep knowledge, diversity, and richness of Black women’s perspectives and experiences of post-conflict empowerment. This book is a welcome relief from simplified takes on gender and post-conflict that often centre whiteness and assume a singular experience of women post-conflict. Instead, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey that explores the multiple meanings, obstacles, and gendered politics of post-conflict empowerment for Sierra Leonean women. * Megan MacKenzie, Professor, Simon Fraser University, Canada *
This volume offers an excellent, comprehensive examination of Sierra Leonean women’s activism in ending the Civil War, establishing democracy and advancing gender equality. Coming from academic, policy and activist backgrounds, these authors succeed in providing a pathbreaking book – one which takes a transdisciplinary approach in recognizing the critical role of intersectionality and African-centered frameworks (as opposed to neoliberal approaches) in understanding Sierra Leonean women’s lived experiences and long history of activism. While many challenges remain for Sierra Leonean women in their quest for a more unified women’s movement and full gender equality, this book grapples with these complexities and offers recommendations for achieving gender justice. This is an inspiring collection which makes a major contribution to Feminist, Africanist and Global South scholar-activism! * Mary J. Osirim, Professor of Sociology, Bryn Mawr College, USA *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Josephine Beoku-Betts and Fredline M’Cormack-Hale Foreword Filomina Chioma Steady Part 1: Conceptual Frameworks Chapter 1 Understanding the Politics of Women and Gender Equality in Sierra Leone: Opportunities and Possibilities Josephine Beoku-Betts Fredline M’Cormack-Hale Chapter 2 Transformative Narratives: The Empathetic Imagination, Empowerment, and Women in Post-War Sierra Leone Arthur Onipede Hollist Part 2: Women in Politics Chapter 3 Zainab Hawa Bangura’s Early Career as an Activist in Sierra Leone, 1994–2005 LaRay Denzer Chapter 4 Bastards in Politics”: Violence Against “Political” Women in Sierra Leone’s Post-War Politics Hussainatu J. Abdullah Chapter 5 Women Chiefs, Women’s Empowerment, and a Feminist Agenda in Contemporary Sierra Leone Lynda R. Day Part 3: Issues in Women’s Empowerment: Legal, Social, and Economic Chapter 6 Women and Law Reform in Post-War Sierra Leone Peter A. Dumbuya Chapter 7 Barriers to Girls Education in Rural Sierra Leone: Results of Participatory Research Susan Shepler Chapter 8 Where Does She Enter? (Re) Defining the Role of Traditional Birth Attendants in Sierra Leone Fredanna M. McGough Chapter 9 Gender Based Violence in the Age of Ebola Lyn Graybill Part 4: Mobilizing to Advance Women’s Empowerment: Internal and External Actors Chapter 10 UNHCR’s Gender Policy for Refugees and Returnees in Sierra Leone: Health, Well-Being and Political Agency Claudena Skran Chapter 11 From Local Discussion Groups to Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp: Sierra Leone Women Mobilizing for Women’s Rights in Sierra Leone Amy Smythe Chapter 12 The Politics of Religion and Women’s Activism: Women’s “Choices” in the Abortion Bill and Constitutional Review Debates Aisha Fofana Ibrahim Chapter 13 Sierra Leonean Women Mobilizing for Change: Revising the Sexual Offenses [Amendment] Act of 2019 Fredline A. O. M’Cormack-Hale
