ABSTRACT
In developing nations, women and girls are historically and consistently forced to endure poor socio-economic and health conditions. Civil wars, conflict, poor health systems, and subpar educational systems contribute to these disparities. This chapter examines the devastating consequences that pandemics and epidemics such as Ebola and coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have had on women and girls in Sierra Leone. This chapter will also examine the impact of pandemics and epidemics on women in sex work and other occupations. The chapter analyses how women’s health is impacted when vital services, such as obstetrics and gynaecology services, are interrupted. This assessment will pay close attention to the landscape assessment of Sierra Leone and the characteristics of the country that make disease outbreaks so devastating for women living in the country. Best practices and recommendations from gender experts worldwide will provide insights into how best to support women living in the developing world dealing with the consequences of disease outbreaks. Policy recommendations will also be provided for institutions, governments, policymakers, and leaders to proactively thwart the negative impact of disease outbreaks on women in the developing world.
