War, women and post-conflict empowerment: lessons from Sierra Leone

From 1991 -2002, Sierra Leone endured a protracted and brutalcivil conflict. The post-war period has seen a slow and painful process ofrebuilding. However, while there have been positive advancements in gender anddevelopment - such as the adoption of three Gender Acts protecting the humanrights of women - Sierra Leone has singularly failed to translate theaccomplishments of women's involvement in bringing the war to an end intomeaningful political empowerment. This is in marked contrast to otherpost-conflict countries, which have increased the political participation ofwomen in elected and appointed office, increased the representation of women inleadership positions, and enacted constitutional reforms promoting women'srights.

Written by Sierra Leonean and Africanist scholars/expertsfrom a broad range of disciplines, this unique volume analyses the historicaland contextual factors influencing women's political, economic and socialdevelopment in the country. In drawingon a diverse array of case studies - from health to education, refugees tointernational donors - the contradictions, successes and challenges of women'slives in a post-conflict environment are revealed, making this an essential bookfor anyone involved in women and development.