Browsing by Author "Lamminmäki, Akseli"

This Master’s thesis examines the local civil society organisations’ perspectives and perceptions of the role of legal reforms in addressing gender inequalities in post-conflict Sierra Leone. The thesis focuses especially on the Gender Acts of 2007 and the Sexual Offenses Act of 2012. The thesis analyses the civil society organisations’ perspectives on legal reforms from three aspects: how legal reform processes are shaped by different local political actors, such as political decision-makers and the civil society, and their power relations; how legal changes and notions of women’s rights shape the lives and living conditions of women; and how the realities of everyday life influence the ability or willingness of women to seek formal legal protection against gender injustices. The theoretical framework of the thesis combines the 'liberal peace' discussion to feminist perspectives on gender equality, women’s rights and empowerment. The research methods used in this thesis include thematic interviews, participant observation and analysis of written documents. The empirical data were collected in Sierra Leone during March and April 2013. The research suggests that local political actors have ambiguously shaped the outcomes of legal reform processes. The diversity of interests and the complexity of cultural, social and political processes involved, have both contributed and hindered the legal reforms. The legal reforms address a significant gap in the legal protection of women. They also extend beyond the individual, have 'pacifying' effects on the society as a whole, and provide a chance of reflection about conventional gender-based violations. Enhanced legal protection and notions of women’s rights shape traditional gender roles, responsibilities and power relations, and are resisted as a consequence. The realities of everyday life, alongside with cultural, economic, social and political factors, influence the ability or willingness of women to utilise formal legal mechanisms. As a result, many women are left outside formal legal channels or continue to seek justice through alternative means. The thesis concludes that the 'liberal peace' logic is insufficient in capturing the complex and paradoxical nature of peacebuilding interventions. The research sheds light to the diverse ways in which peacebuilding outcomes are shaped, negotiated, utilised and rejected. Thus, the role of legal reforms in addressing gender inequalities in post-conflict societies in the global South should not be overstated. While meaningful and considered as a step to the right direction, legal reforms alone do not address the many underlying and paramount challenges that women continue to face in post-conflict societies in the global South.