New law aims to increase women in positions of power across Sierra Leone
A new law designed to increase the number of women in positions of power in both private and public sectors came into force in Sierra Leone on Thursday. LONDON -- A new law designed to increase the number of women in positions of power in both private and public sectors came into force in Sierra Leone on Thursday. More than a year after the legislation was first tabled in Sierra Leone's Parliament, lawmakers voted unanimously to pass the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act in November. Now, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has signed the bill into law, just five months before general elections. MORE: Ethiopians abroad celebrate Christmas with hope and angst after November cease-fire in Tigray The Gender Equality and Women's Em power ment Act includes a legal requirement for all designated private and public bodies in the small West African nation to ensure at least 30% of their workforce is female. That ratio must be maintained across all levels within th...