AdvocAid Sierra Leone

Health is a right, not a privilege. On this International Universal Health Coverage Day, AdvocAid stands firm in our commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl, especially those who come into contact with the law, receive the healthcare they deserve. In Sierra Leone, incarcerated women frequently face daunting systemic barriers that hinder their access to essential health services, including reproductive care, mental health support, and trauma treatment. These challenges not only compromise their well-being but also undermine the fundamental principle of justice that we must uphold. Under the theme 'Health: It's on the Government,' we urge policymakers to make stronger investments in health systems that prioritise dignity and justice for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we can advocate for inclusive policies that leave no one behind, especially the most marginalised in our society. Let’s unite to amplify our voices and ensure that health equity becomes a reality for every woman and girl, to foster a healthier, more just world for all. #UniversalHealthCoverage #HealthEquity #AdvocAid #HealthIsARight

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On #WorldAIDSDay, AdvocAid stands firm in the fight for health equity under the theme Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right! This day reminds us that health is not a privilege but a fundamental right that must extend to everyone, including incarcerated women and girls!

On November 26, 2024, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AdvocAid Sierra Leone organised a pivotal training session for about 40 female officers of the Correctional Service in Freetown. The training focused on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and the #Bangkokrules, which are critical standards for the treatment of women in detention. Led by AdvocAid's Executive Director, Alison French, who opened with powerful remarks emphasising the necessity for the justice system, police, and prison warders to uphold and promote the rights of women and girls throughout their detention. The training aimed not only to raise awareness but also to empower correctional officers with the knowledge needed to create a more respectful and supportive environment for women and girls in the justice system. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that the fundamental rights of vulnerable populations are recognised and safeguarded. The training was made possible through the generous support of AmplifyChange as part of a two-year project titled "Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for Commercial Sex Workers and Incarcerated Women in Sierra Leone Through Rights Awareness and Law Reform." Together, we are committed to promoting the rights and well-being of vulnerable women and ensuring they receive the dignity and respect they deserve. #16days #womenempowerment #SRHR #Reproductivehealth #Womensrights #AmplifyChange #AdvocAid #NoExcuse

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Unite to End Violence Against Women As we embark on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we at AdvocAid Sierra Leone reaffirm our commitment to shining a light on the harsh realities faced by women and girls, particularly those who go through the criminal justice system. Our advocacy is informed by direct evidence of the issues affecting these women, ensuring that our voices resonate with their lived experiences. The study Woman Wahala na Prison highlights that nearly three-quarters (72%) of women reported suffering from various forms of abuse—physical (46%), sexual (19%), emotional (52%), or financial (30%)—at the hands of their partners or spouses. This data underscores the urgent need for systemic change and support systems that prioritise the safety and dignity of women. Many women who are in prison for violent offences such as murder have acted in self-defence against domestic or sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the legal system often fails to recognise the context of their actions, particularly for those who experience a "slow-burn" reaction to ongoing violence. We must address the root causes of women's imprisonment to prevent further violence and incarceration. Together, we must create a world where there is #noexcuse for any woman to continue suffering in silence, leading to a cycle of violence and imprisonment. Join us in advocating for change, raising awareness, and supporting policies that empower women and safeguard their rights. Join us in raising awareness during these critical 16 days by following our social platforms for all the activities to raise awareness around different locations in Sierra Leone. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGenderBasedViolence #AdvocAid #Womanwahalanaprison #Noexcuse #Orangetheworld #Endviolence

Our Executive Director Alison French had the incredible opportunity to attend a 3-day conference hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Austria, focusing on "Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems." This gathering brought together thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to enhancing legal aid frameworks around the globe. The delegates explored concrete examples and practical strategies aimed at sustainably increasing financial and human resources within legal aid systems. These discussions emphasised the importance of capacity building and expanding the evidence base to improve access to justice. At AdvocAid, we are committed to implementing these insights and best practices in our programmes, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the legal support they deserve. Together, we can create a more equitable and responsive criminal justice system! Stay tuned for updates on how we plan to integrate these valuable learnings into our mission. #Criminaljustice #UNODC #AdvocAid #legalaid

On this #WorldChildrensDay2024, under the theme#ListenToTheFuture, we must confront the uncomfortable truth about our justice system and its impact on children. Are we truly listening to the future when we allow a system to perpetuate cycles of trauma and hardship? The incarceration of mothers—often for acts of survival or self-defence against relentless abuse—raises critical questions about our commitment to the best interests of the child. Each time a mother is taken away, we are not just severing a vital bond; we are sentencing her children to a future marked by stigma, instability, and emotional turmoil. As we advocate for a world that listens to children and prioritises their well-being, we must confront the systemic flaws that perpetuate their suffering. We must stand together to demand justice that is not only equitable but also sensitive to the realities faced by families. Let us be the voices for those who cannot speak, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. On this #WorldChildrensDay2024, let us commit to actively listening to the future—because their voices today will shape the world we all share tomorrow. A thought-provoking article on this issue is available at this link: https://lnkd.in/dWTdKmkE Join us as we continue our fight for the protection of mothers and their children during and post-incarceration by donating to our cause: https://lnkd.in/d7Kq-AyG #Decrminisalisepettyoffences #listentothefuture #childrensrights #Worldchildrensday2024

The Women's Socio-Economic Rights Institute (WSER) kicks off today with a vital thematic focus on protecting women's land and property rights. We are thrilled to announce that Juliet Mamawa Kaikai, the Legal Manager at AdvocAid Sierra Leone, will participate in this crucial conversation. Women's rights to land and property are fundamental to achieving gender equality and empowering communities. Join us in raising awareness about the significance of protecting these rights and their positive impact on women's socio-economic status. Stay tuned for insights, discussions, and actionable strategies throughout this important initiative. Together, we can make a difference! 💪💼 #WSER #ISLA #WomensRights #AdvocAid #GenderEquality #LandRights #EmpowerWomen Please watch the video to learn more: https://lnkd.in/d-zNeqDP

Menstrual Hygiene Training for Women and Girls in Freetown Correctional Centre. Our partnership with @Uman4Uman is a groundbreaking initiative focused on menstrual hygiene training for women and girls incarcerated. On October 18th, Uman4Uman successfully trained 75 women and two girls at the Freetown Correctional Centre and Remand Home. This training not only equips them with crucial knowledge about menstrual health but also fosters confidence and dignity during a challenging time. Menstrual hygiene is fundamental to health and well-being, yet it often goes overlooked, especially in correctional facilities.  You can read more at the link below: https://lnkd.in/dz6VrCjc