Representation of Women in Sierra Leone: The 30% Quota, a Variable Advancement

Sierra Leone adopted the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) law in 2023, aiming for a 30% quota of female candidates in elections. However, challenges remain, as demonstrated by Aminata Sesay, a Member of Parliament from Port Loko, who faced financial and political pressures. While the proportion of female municipal councilors increased from 18.7% to 34%, the new electoral system favors political parties in seat allocation, complicating women's access to elected positions.