In Sierra Leone, economic exclusion and shrinking civic space appear to be two sides of the same problem. Women throughout the country are unable to get economic justice without a space where they can come together, challenge unfair practices and influence policy.
Initiatives like the Inclusive Civic Action for Reforms of Economic Systems (ICARES) programme are pushing to change that. Before we look at how systemic change is gaining momentum, let’s take a deeper look at the issue at hand.
When Fatima (not her real name) applied for a small loan to expand her business, she was offered an interest rate of 25%. Even at this rate, there was no guarantee she’d be granted the loan, as cultural norms normally deny women the collateral required to secure a loan.
Systemic barriers like this continue to limit women's economic participation and meaningful civic engagement. Structural inequalities in governance frameworks, financial ecosystems and socio-cultural norms have left many women (especially those in rural communities) excluded from decision-making spaces and powerless to control their own resources.
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Land rights are another barrier
When Aminata (not her real name) lost her husband, she sought clarity about her rights to manage the land. On paper, the law was on her side. However, custom and tradition meant that the law was ignored. When she wanted to challenge this unfair practice, there were no spaces where she could safely meet and appeal.
The lack of civic space has made it increasingly difficult for members of society to hold institutions accountable and shape policy reforms. When citizens cannot question or influence decisions, it creates economic systems that quietly reinforce inequality.
This is the reality the ICARES programme set out to change. It looks to add a diverse set of voices and reshape economic systems to serve women and their communities. Together with Christian Aid, the goal is gender justice.
A partnership was formed between ICARES, the 50/50 Group, a feminist, non-partisan, women-led organisation and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL), an interfaith organisation. Together, they recognise that economic justice cannot exist without civic spaces.
The establishment of civic engagement hubs, which serve as coordination spaces, brings together organisations with a shared commitment to inclusive economic reform.
Interestingly, what began in the capital, Freetown, has evolved into a growing movement. Many district-level sub-hubs are emerging organically as members take ownership of the model. Organisations have moved from working in isolation to acting together.
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Turning the law into reality
A major focus of the ICARES programme in Sierra Leone is the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act (GEWE Act) - a landmark law whose promise is yet to be fully realised.
Through coordinated advocacy, policy analysis and sustained engagement with government ministries, civic hub members have:
contributed to the discussion of increasing penalties for non-compliance with the GEWE Act, with the aim of strengthening accountability
engaged various stakeholders (including the Ministries of Finance and Gender and the Central Bank of Sierra Leone) to advocate for reduced interest rates for women traders. They proposed a reduction from 25% to 18%, particularly in rural areas
produced widely circulated policy briefs and a comprehensive legal analysis report to inform national dialogue on gender equality and financial inclusion.
The importance of faith in women’s economic justice
ICARES has challenged the idea that faith institutions belong only in spiritual spaces. In a country known for religious tolerance, faith actors are critical to change because they hold moral authority and a greater reach than many other institutions.
Through the IRCSL, eight inter-faith women and youth networks have been established across communities. Their involvement has strengthened trust, bridged social divides and expanded civic participation beyond traditional civil society spaces. These networks are now active champions of gender and reparative justice as well as peaceful civic engagement.
Faith leaders are:
incorporating messages on women's rights, reconciliation and inclusion into sermons
using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address community conflicts without financial exploitation
engaging in public dialogues on radio and in community forums on land rights, inheritance and financial empowerment for women.
The fact that IRCSL has institutionalised a gender policy is perhaps the most telling sign of what is possible when organisations lead with openness. Progress does not always require perfect agreement – sometimes it only requires the courage to show up for each other.
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In Sierra Leone, systemic barriers continue to limit women's economic participation and civic engagement. Yet despite these challenges, women and faith leaders are no longer peripheral to economic reform conversations - they're shaping them.
Civic hub members are monitoring court cases, participating more actively in budget hearings and preparing to launch a civic space monitoring bulletin. Members are also engaging at regional and global platforms, including Financing for Development preparatory processes and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), amplifying local voices in global reform debates.
This change connects civic spaces, economic justice, reparation and inclusive governance. It recognises that reforming financial systems without strengthening citizens’ voices will not bring equality. And building civic spaces without addressing economic exclusion doesn’t prevent injustice.
Economic systems do not become inclusive by default. They respond to organised, informed and persistent civic engagement. Donate today and help promote economic justice for women.
