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Analysis On The Role Of Women In The Socio-Economic Development Of Sierra Leone

Posted on:2011-03-14Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:Alphaeus T.Koroma K MFull Text:PDF
GTID:1117360305489458Subject:Regional Economics
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
This study highlights the gender gap in contemporary Sierra Leonean society, and discusses the constraints and underlying attitudes which determine women's disadvantaged position.As new resources, opportunities and structures are introduced in the course of development in developing countries and Sierra Leone in particular, gender differentials are becoming apparent. Underlying assumptions about gender and power relations dictate the way in which new resources are allocated. New and modern inputs are generally accepted as"male"domain. In formal education, girls are under-represented at all levels, with the gender gap widening as the level of education rises. This directly affects women's position in the labor market, with fewer women than men in professional and leadership positions. Women form a minority in the new wage labor sector, but a majority of petty traders. Following the most recent elections in 2007, even though 2 women cabinet ministers were appointed out of 20 and only 14 women out of the 124 members of parliament were elected. This means that women have very little say in the creation of the rules, regulations and policies that affect their lives.This research provides an overview of current issues on gender analysis on the role of women in the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. The study is ethnographic looking at the role of women and their impact at the national as well as local community level. Empirical data was collected by undertaking fieldwork into some locations in Sierra Leone, questionnaire, were administered, and observations were made which helped to assess the impact at the community level. Secondary research entailed an extensive literature review to develop the conceptual framework for the research. This includes analyzing secondary data on women's rights, documents and national policies in other developing countries including China with phenomenal economic growth which could serve as a model for Sierra Leone.Drawing together key issues on Sierra Leone from literature and research, and reviewing the latest statistics. Issues are presented under the following headings: education, socio-political, economy and labor. Gender gaps revealed in the most recent statistics are highlighted, together with an analysis of gender constraints which lead to women's disadvantage in accessing the materials and non-material resources in contemporary Sierra Leone.This research is intended as a basis for further analysis, discussions and research, and includes suggestions for further research.
Keywords/Search Tags:Socio-Economic development, political, gender, education
PDF Full Text Request
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