Sierra Leone currently ranks 179th out of 179 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index.   Here are some statistics that give you a snapshot of average life for a woman in Sierra Leone.

While all of that seems a bit bleak, there are signs of progress and there are reasons for hope.  These statistics are all improvements over the statistics from the 1990’s.  Sierra Leone is a country full of natural resources – diamonds, gold, bauxite, coffee, cocoa, and oil to name a few.  Since the devastating decade-long civil war from 1991 – 2002, the world has become aware of the existence and the plight of Sierra Leone. Measures are now being taken to stem corruption, thus enabling the resources to be tapped more effectively, for the benefit of the whole nation.

The civil war in Sierra Leone, which stemmed from a wide variety of causes, not the least of which was a struggle to control the diamond resources by wicked dictators in other countries of the world, resulted in a devastating loss of life, limb and infrastructure, effectively changing the nation forever.   No longer the idyllic tropical paradise it had been, Sierra Leone had become a representative horror scene.  One-third of the population was permanently displaced.  Hundreds of thousands (a number which will never be counted) lost their lives in horrific manners.  One-third of the female population were brutally raped and assaulted.   Thousands survived the traumatic loss of limbs and body parts by rebel machetes and axes.  Eight years later, while much progress has been made, the country is still working to recover from the effects of this atrocious war.  Some of the effects will be permanent, but it is not hopeless.  The resilience and persevering nature of the people of Sierra Leone is inspiring.  Despite tragic loss and inadequate resources, most have picked up their lives and rebuilt them.  For those who suffered traumas too deep for words, or lost mobility and function, rebuilding is difficult.  For those who were born with disabilities, or developed them through illness or accident, the road is very hard.  Women of Hope International will come alongside these women and aid them in walking the hard road, bringing hope and restoration to shattered lives.