Rural women and girls in the war in Sierra Leone

This article by Khadija Alia Bah of Conciliation Resources gives an overview of the harsh realities of war faced by women and girls in Sierra Leone.

It describes in particular the disproportionate effects of conflict on rural communities and females of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).  Many have to cope with economic hardship, rape and unwanted pregnancies.  Girls are often captured and forced to be labourers or 'wives'.  Further, sexually transmitted diseases are widespread but access to medical facilities is very poor and life in refugee camps is often precarious.

Sadly, such issues are not on the radar of policymakers because females traditionally lack voice and power.  The article suggests further in-depth analysis to enable reconstruction and transformation.