The power of sweet words: Local forms of intervention with war-affected women in rural Sierra Leone.

During Sierra Leone’s civil war, women and girls experienced numerous forms of gender-based violence and gross human rights violations, which had profound implications both during and following the conflict. In the war’s aftermath, Sierra Leonean social workers provided crucial forms of support to war-affected women and girls. Drawing on in-depth interviews, this article explores local forms of social work assistance provided to women in the post-conflict period. The article examines the assistance provided, the techniques and approaches of local practitioners, and the perceived impact of the interventions. In examining these post-war interventions, we highlight the unique local approaches to practice, and their implications for international social work practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]