Our Mission

• 70% of women in Sierra Leone live in poverty; 
• Only 29% of women have access to formal employment; 
• Maternal mortality remains one of the highest in the world, at 443 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Bank, 2023); 
• Female literacy rate is only 44%, compared to 64% for men; 
• Women have fewer rights to land ownership, inheritance, and decision-making; 
• Early marriage (30% of girls married before the age of 18); 
• Girls face higher school dropout rates due to child marriage, pregnancy, and domestic responsibilities; 
• Women dominate agriculture (70% workforce) but have limited access to land and financial resources; 
• Informal sector jobs (petty trade, domestic work) provide low income and no social protection; 
• Only 21% of businesses are owned by women, with many struggling to access loans; 
• Limited maternal healthcare contributes to high death rates during childbirth; 
• Gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic abuse and sexual violence, worsens economic dependence and mental health issues;

Effects of Poverty on Women 

• Intergenerational Cycle of Poverty:
• Poor women struggle to educate their children, perpetuating poverty; 
• Poor Health & Malnutrition: Women are more likely to suffer from anemia and malnutrition; 
• Dependency on Men: Financial instability increases vulnerability to exploitation and abuse;

Deforestation in Sierra Leone is a major environmental challenge, This loss of 

forest cover threatens biodiversity, increases soil erosion, and contributes to 

climate change. 

Key Causes of Deforestation in Sierra Leone 

• Logging (Legal and Illegal): Illegal logging is a significant issue, with little enforcement of environmental laws.
• Agriculture & Slash-and-Burn Farming 
• Mining Activities: Artisanal and industrial mining operations often clear large areas of forest. 
• Charcoal and Firewood Production: Deforestation accelerates as people cut down trees for charcoal and firewood. 
• Urban Expansion & Infrastructure Development: Rapid population growth increases the demand for land. 

Consequences of Deforestation: 

• Loss of Biodiversity: Endangered species like the Western Chimpanzee face habitat destruction; 
• Soil Erosion & Land Degradation: Leads to reduced agricultural productivity and increased flooding risks. 
• Climate Change Impact: Fewer trees mean less carbon sequestration, worsening climate change. 
• Water Shortages: Deforestation affects watersheds, reducing freshwater availability.