New laws in Sierra Leone aimed at protecting women and girls from violence are inadvertently harming the very communities they are meant to help, particularly among the poor.
In Sierra Leone, following pressure to improve gender equality after its devastating civil war, the government implemented new laws intended to combat domestic violence, rape, and teen pregnancy. However, these reforms, inspired by colonial legal frameworks, often clash with the realities of daily life in the country. Rather than focusing on education and resolution, the legislation is prioritizing punitive measures, which disproportionately affect young people from impoverished communities.
Luisa T. Schneider, an anthropologist with extensive research experience in Sierra Leone, has been examining the effects of these laws through her study called "Love and Violence in Sierra Leone: Mediating Intimacy after Conflict." Her research involves living within vulnerable communities and closely observing the intimate relationships and conflicts among residents. She aims to understand how these harsh regulations impact social structures and human relationships post-conflict.
Significantly, the findings indicate that while the intentions behind these laws are commendable, their execution often fails to consider the complexities of social dynamics in Sierra Leone, leading to unintended consequences. There is a growing call for a reevaluation of these laws to align them better with the needs of the community and to adopt approaches that encourage education and reconciliation instead of mere punishment.
