War, Women and Post-conflict Empowerment: Lessons from Sierra Leone

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Since the 1991-2002 civil conflict ended in Sierra Leone, the country has failed to translate the accomplishments of womens 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 womens 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 womens 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 womens lives in a post-conflict environment are revealed, making this an essential book for anyone involved in women and development.

Reviews

Finally, a book on post-conflict transitions that centres and celebrates the deep knowledge, diversity, and richness of Black womens 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 womens 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 womens lived experiences and long history of activism. While many challenges remain for Sierra Leonean women in their quest for a more unified womens 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 *

Author Bio

Josephine Beoku-Betts is Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Sociology at Florida Atlantic University, USA. She is also co-President of the Research Committee on Women and Society of the International Sociological Association. Fredline A. MCormack-Hale is Associate Professor with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, USA. She also serves as Research and Policy Director for the Institute for Governance Reform in Sierra Leone.