Sierra Leone passes gender law reserving 30 percent of jobs for women

Women supporters of Julius Maada celebrate his election victory in Freetown in April 2018. Their support may have paid off since Bio signed the Equality Act to boost women's presence in Sierra Leone's male-dominated society. AP - Cooper Inveen

Sierra Leone has passed a law requiring public and private entities to reserve 30 percent of their jobs for women in a bid to tackle gender imbalances in a male-dominated society.

In addition to the 30 percent quota, the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act assures women at least 14 weeks of maternity leave, equal pay and training opportunities.