Sierra Leonean employers have a duty to prevent sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace, according to recent legal reforms intended to combat the country’s high rates of gender-based violence. However, many employers lack the practical experience to introduce effective safeguarding procedures.
To help companies meet their obligations, Invest Salone, a UK-funded private sector development programme, has launched the Safeguarding Toolkit. The toolkit provides clear and practical guidance tailored to the Sierra Leonean context while also meeting international safeguarding standards.
The toolkit comes amid urgent need for stronger workplace protections. According to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey, 62% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Sierra Leone also ranks low on global indices of gender equality and human development, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by women and other at-risk groups in professional and community settings.
Legal reforms in Sierra Leone – including the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019, the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, and the Employment Act 2023 – now mandate employers to address workplace harassment and discrimination.
However, effective implementation of these laws remains challenging for many employers. A two-day safeguarding course conducted by Invest Salone earlier this year for firms across a range of sectors including finance, logistics, hospitality and agriculture, revealed that most participating employers had little or no safeguarding measures in place. In response, Invest Salone developed the Safeguarding Toolkit to bridge this critical gap.
The toolkit adapts safeguarding principles previously concentrated in civil society and humanitarian sectors for use by businesses. It offers step-by-step support to companies seeking to strengthen their systems through:
- Prevention: Conducting safeguarding risk assessments, introducing codes of conduct, ensuring safe recruitment practices and delivering regular training.
- Response: Establishing survivor-centred approaches, confidential reporting procedures and links to medical, legal and psychosocial support.
- Reporting: Setting up safe and accessible complaints mechanisms, including hotlines, suggestion boxes and community-based channels.
- Awareness: Providing training, resources and awareness-raising campaigns to build a culture of respect and accountability.
“Safeguarding is not only a moral and legal obligation – it is essential for building sustainable businesses that employees, investors and communities can trust,” said Tania Fraser, Invest Salone’s safeguarding consultant. “This toolkit provides the private sector with the tools needed to take meaningful action and foster safe, inclusive workplaces.”
The Safeguarding Toolkit is intended for human resource managers, safeguarding focal points, operational managers and senior leadership teams. By implementing its recommendations, businesses can reduce legal and reputational risks while supporting ethical growth in Sierra Leone’s economy.
Find out more information and access the toolkit here.
