Secret societies and women’s access to justice in Sierra Leone : bridging the formal and informal divide - policy brief
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2017
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Abstract
A key question posed by this research is, given the limitations of customary institutions in light of prevailing socio-cultural attitudes that undermine women’s equality and rights, is synthesis between formal justice systems and informal or customary systems really appropriate or desirable? However, encouraging people to use formal channels when they are woefully inadequate in addressing crimes also points to the need to strengthen the judiciary and the police, to investigate and successfully prosecute crimes of violence against women so that women will be encouraged to report them. The brief advocates for training and education regarding women’s rights.
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HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES, HYBRID SECURITY, HYBRID JUSTICE SYSTEM, SECURITY SECTOR REFORM, INFORMAL SECURITY SYSTEMS, ACCESS TO JUSTICE, SIERRA LEONE, RULE OF LAW, WOMEN'S RIGHTS, WOMEN'S HEALTH, RAPE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, HUMAN SECURITY, POLITICAL STABILITY, INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS, FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, SOUTH OF SAHARA