In a landmark step toward promoting gender equality and inclusivity in Sierra Leone’s justice system, the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO), with financial and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully conducted a comprehensive Gender Audit of Selected Justice Sector Institutions. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to support the effective implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, 2022, and to strengthen institutional responsiveness to gender issues within the justice sector.
The Gender Audit, undertaken by an independent consultant, engaged ten key justice sector institutions through extensive consultations. These included the Sierra Leone Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, the Legal Aid Board, The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, The Law Reform Commission, the Sierra Law School, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General, the Ant-Corruption Commission and the coordinating office, the Justice sector Coordination Office, responsible for ensuring access to justice and protecting the rights of all citizens. The process assessed the extent to which gender considerations are integrated into policies, programmes, leadership structures, and service delivery across the sector.
Following weeks of data collection and analysis, the draft Gender Audit Report was validated at a national forum convened by the JSCO. The validation brought together senior officials, gender focal points, development partners, and civil society representatives, whose contributions were instrumental in refining and finalising the report. Participants commended the process as timely and reflective of the government’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality and institutional reform.
The final report presents actionable recommendations aimed at mainstreaming gender across justice sector operations. These include measures to enhance women’s representation in leadership, build institutional capacity on gender-responsive programming, and ensure equitable access to justice for women, men, and vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the validation, representatives from the JSCO and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening justice delivery and promoting equality in line with national priorities and international obligations. The JSCO expressed appreciation to UNDP for its consistent partnership and invaluable support to justice sector reforms, including the development of policies and strategies that uphold human rights and inclusive governance.
The Gender Audit Report stands as a critical milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more equitable justice system—one that reflects the spirit of the GEWE Act, empowers all citizens, and reinforces the rule of law as a foundation for sustainable development.