Sierra Leone has passed what has been described as a "ground-breaking" law to improve women's rights. The law states that 30 percent of public and private jobs must be reserved for women.
Under the new Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act, women also benefit from ringfenced senior positions in the workplace, at least 14 weeks of maternity leave, equal access to bank credit, and training opportunities.
Prior to the law, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency said that "progress has been made in expanding opportunities for women and girls," but warned that "gender inequality and denial of women's rights are still prevalent at all levels in Sierra Leonean society."
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