Sierra Leone's Reform Journey to Advancing Female Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion

Access to finance and equal economic opportunities are crucial for female entrepreneurs, fostering business growth and economic participation. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders involved in the legal reform processes, this Brief examines how Sierra Leone made strides in its reform journey to expand women's economic rights, including through the Directives on Provision of Financial Services on a Non-Discriminatory Basis of 2021, the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2022-2026, and the Employment Act of 2023. The Brief identifies the key drivers of reform: gender champions in government and political will, economic data and technical assistance from the international community, multistakeholder coalitions, as well as grassroots activity amplifying women's voices and bridging the gap between civil society and lawmakers. Through top-down and bottom-up initiatives working to create lasting change, Sierra Leone has enhanced women's economic prospects and set a powerful example for other economies in the region seeking to enact similar laws and policies