The Government of Sierra Leone has risen to the challenge and is determined to improve the appalling situation. Major policy decisions have been taken, and appropriate legislation has been enacted, among other measures to improve the position of women, and to empower women in science and the economy.

Where there is a contradiction or a conflict we have to give consideration to the rights of women based on sex in these specific circumstances. In the letter I named a few — for example women in prisons, shelters from victims of violence.

women’s groups are also advocating for political parties to introduce voluntary quotas for women’s participation, in case the bill is delayed or not tabled in parliament.

Significant national legislation relating to rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, early or forced marriage, discrimination in inheritance, marriage and property rights, among others, have been enacted to protect women’s rights, empower them in society and enhance their mental health and well-being.

[O]ne of the main moral foundations of the women’s liberation movement – and indeed of all liberation movements – is the idea that individuals should be treated fairly and equally, and that unjust barriers should be removed. A policy that advantages members of one demographic group over those of another necessarily abandons those principles. In doing so, it risks leaving the women’s movement without one of its main moral foundations.

how can we influence the writing of the constitution to make sure that all policies agreed on were gender sensitive

For reasons related to their weak socio-economic positions, women rely on the law and its enforcement. Many countries have sought, through constitutional and other legal instruments including labour codes, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or to proclaim equality between women and men as a fundamental human right. However, certain classes of workers, such as domestic workers, agricultural workers and those engaged in small enterprises or family undertakings, are often excluded from the scope of application, and women predominate in these categories.

Rwanda’s commitment to promoting gender equality can be seen in policies that ensure women’s representation at various levels of decision-making across different institutions, ranging from business to leadership and judiciary.

We have developed policies to protect women’s rights at the national level. Women bear the brunt of suffering during conflict, but we are not just victims—we are also active players who should be involved in preventing conflict.

Sithembiso Nyoni, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development of Zimbabwe, said in the presentation of the report that her country had adopted in 2013 a very progressive Constitution which incorporated gender equality and women’s rights.

However, some of these policies were very limited because there was talk of gender inequality, but women's rights affected many interconnected spheres that could not be separated. If one focuses solely on one aspect and ignores the rest, the rights of women will not be concreted.

These advancements are evident in the many bills introduced, including the Gender Equity Bill, the Anti-GBV Bill, and legislation concerning marriage and child rights, all of which demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing issues that affect the rights of women and girls in Zambia.

Zimbabwe has made strides to ensure gender equality through the constitution, but we would like to make further strides through implementation as we still have impunity when it comes to recognition of the need for gender equality.

Women’s rights have been secured constitutionally, with many constitutional terms, translated into legal clauses while others remain in the pipes. There are several measurable examples that echo the ongoing progress of women in Egypt by law.