Findings from the Afrobarometer survey have shown that fewer Sierra Leonean women have tertiary education.

The report which was released on the 8th of December 2022 stated that “Women are less likely than men to have post-secondary education and more likely to have no formal schooling”.

During her presentation of findings from the Afrobarometer survey on Gender Equality, Gender-based violence and Child Welfare, the Director of Research and Policy at the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) Dr. Fredline M’Cormack-Hale explained the survey which shows that only 7 percent of women aged eighteen and above have tertiary education.

46 percent of women have no formal education, whilst 14 percent have only primary school education. Women with only secondary school education make up 34 percent.

The data clearly shows that more Sierra Leonean men have attained tertiary education, accounting for 20 percent, whilst 36 percent have secondary school education and 10 percent with primary schooling. 34 percent of men lack formal education.

The director stated that there is a huge gap between men and women in the “no formal education category.

With both sexes combined the country has an illiterate population of 40 percent, 12 percent with only primary education, 35 percent with secondary schooling, and 13 percent – with tertiary education.

Dr. M’Cormack-Hale whilst presenting the trend of responses said “Those with post-secondary education are more likely to say women should have an equal chance to be elected in public office”. She noted that 81 percent of people with tertiary education want women to be given equal opportunities as compared to 65 percent with no formal education, stating that as per observation, the data indicates how the level of education influences people’s thoughts on certain matters.

The research is conducted by the Afrobarometer team in Sierra Leone which is led by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR).

According to the report, 1,200 (one thousand and two hundred) Sierra Leonean adults were interviewed for the survey that was conducted between 13 June and 9 July 2022. Afrobarometer has over the years conducted surveys in Sierra Leone since 2012.