- One in 10 Sierra Leoneans (10%) say schoolgirls are “often” or “always” discriminated against, harassed, or harangued for sexual favours by teachers, while smaller shares (5%) report that girls are “often” or “always” prevented from attending school because their families prioritise boys’ education (Figure 1).
- Seven in 10 citizens (70%) say women “never” experience sexual harassment in public spaces such as in markets, on the street, and in public transport. Fewer than one quarter (23%) say this is a rare occurrence, while 7% say it happens “often” or “always” (Figure 2).
- More than three-fourths (77%) of Sierra Leoneans say women and girls are likely to be believed if they complain of discrimination or harassment (Figure 3).
- But only one-quarter (25%) of respondents believe that the police and courts are doing enough to protect women and girls from discrimination and harassment in public places; a large majority think these institutions need to do “somewhat more” (30%) or “much more” (45%) (Figure 4).
While most Sierra Leoneans believe that women and girls are likely to be believed when they report discrimination or harassment, three-fourths also say that the police and courts must do more to ensure their protection, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey.
In recent years, Sierra Leone has introduced a series of landmark policies to strengthen women’s rights and inclusion. In 2019, the president declared rape and sexual violence a national emergency, leading to tougher laws for perpetrators. In 2022, the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Law was passed. Access to education for girls has been expanded through the Free Quality School Education Programme and the Radical Inclusion Policy, which ensures that pregnant girls and other marginalised groups can attend school.
Survey findings from March-April 2025 show that one in 10 citizens think schoolgirls are frequently harassed or pressured by teachers for sexual favours. A smaller proportion report that girls are frequently prevented from attending school because families prioritise boys’ education.
Seven in 10 citizens say women “never” experience sexual harassment in public spaces, though 8% believe this occurs frequently.