Leveling the Playing Field: Taking Stock of (In)Equality Between Men and Women and the Way Forward

Rashid Kargbo (), Wayne Mitchell (), Monique Newiak () and Usama Zafar ()
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Rashid Kargbo: IMF
Wayne Mitchell: IMF
Monique Newiak: International Monetary Fund, Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center
Usama Zafar: IMF

Chapter Chapter 12 in Navigating Economic Storms and Emerging from Fragility, 2026, pp 141-158 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the different dimensions of inequality in Sierra Leone. Much progress has been made in reducing gaps in political representation and in providing access to opportunities to girls and women, reflecting significant reforms and policy efforts. However, substantial gaps persist in Sierra Leone. This chapter shows that addressing them could not only advance Sustainable Development Goal 5 but also yield significant macroeconomic and development gains. Policy recommendations include developing a comprehensive approach to tackle the drivers of inequality between men and women and child marriage; strengthening legal rights and enforcement of new and longer-standing laws; increasing cash-plus initiatives and improving alternative pathways for out-of-school children to access basic education; catalyzing behavioral change and strengthening relevant health system functions; and improving financial inclusion for women. For progress in these areas, appropriate and efficient utilization of resources is critical.

Keywords: Labor force participation; Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act; Adolescent fertility; Financial inclusion (women); Child marriage; Educational attainment (girls) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-92147-6_12

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-92147-6_12

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