By: Nancy Karimu
In the bustling hilltop community of Leicester in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a group of twelve determined women have taken on the backbreaking task of stone mining as a means of survival. Among them is Gilo Koroma, a thirty-five-year-old widow who turned to this demanding work after the death of her husband and left her as the sole provider for her children.
For Gilo and many others like her, stone mining has become a lifeline, offering a way to feed, clothe, and educate their families in a country where poverty and lack of opportunities loom large. With limited options available, these women have embraced the gruelling task of breaking stones into tiny pieces, day in and day out, to make ends meet.
Bintu Koroma, another resilient stone miner, shares her story of sustaining injuries and enduring the physical toll of the job. Despite the challenges she faces, she presses on, knowing that this laborious work is the only way she can provide for her two children as a single mother.
Sierra Leone, known as one of the poorest countries globally, is plagued by low human development indicators. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ranks Sierra Leone near the bottom in terms of the human development index, highlighting the harsh realities that many like Gilo and Bintu must navigate each day.
In a world where gender roles and societal norms often limit women’s opportunities, the women of Leicester are breaking barriers and stereotypes as they show incredible resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of women who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, choosing instead to forge their path in pursuit of a better future for themselves and their families.
