Luisa T. Schneider – The Conversation

The civil war helped contribute to the widespread abuse of women. New laws followed. Saidu Bah/AFP/Getty Images

February 17, 2026

Sierra Leone’s harsh new laws to protect women and girls are causing harm in the wrong places

Luisa T. Schneider, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Independent Social Research Foundation

The new laws often shield the wealthy and punish the powerless, especially adolescent couples in relationships.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has made fighting rape a priority. EPA-EFE/Ernest Henry

February 21, 2019

Luisa T. Schneider, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

Sierra Leone has declared a national emergency to combat rape and sexual violence.

Laws in Sierra Leone often leave young women in the lurch. robertonencini/Shutterstock

January 23, 2019

Luisa T. Schneider, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

Violence is not just a private matter between people. Regulating it is not the duty of communities or the state alone.

Women fear losing support for themselves and their children if they report violence. Direct Relief/Flickr

January 14, 2019

Luisa T. Schneider, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

Very few women, especially those married, feel protected by the domestic violence laws in Sierra Leone.