Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has pledged to strengthen cooperation with organisations working to improve women’s access to justice and economic opportunities across the country.
The commitment followed a meeting last week with representatives of the Healey International Relief Foundation, Uman Tok, Every Woman SL and Berny’s Hope, four organisations involved in supporting women and promoting gender justice.
In a statement, Sesay described the engagement as one of the most inspiring meetings he has held since becoming Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
He said the discussions gave him a better understanding of how community-based organisations are helping women understand their rights, build sustainable livelihoods and become financially independent.
According to the minister, access to justice should not only focus on legal processes but also on improving people’s ability to exercise their rights and make decisions about their lives.
He explained that women who understand their rights and have opportunities to earn an income are better positioned to make independent decisions and participate in their communities.
Focus on Community-Based Justice
Sesay said Sierra Leone’s Justice Sector Reform Strategy recognises the important role of frontline organisations in making justice services more accessible to ordinary citizens.
The strategy promotes a people-centred approach, which seeks to bring justice services closer to communities rather than requiring people to depend entirely on formal legal institutions.
For many women, particularly those living in rural communities, accessing legal assistance can be difficult because of financial challenges, limited information and the distance between their homes and legal service providers.
Community organisations can help address some of these barriers by providing information, connecting vulnerable people with support services and helping them understand available legal protections.
Sesay said the government would continue engaging with organisations working directly with communities to strengthen justice delivery.
Women’s Rights Across West Africa
Sierra Leone’s efforts come as other West African countries continue working to improve women’s access to legal protection and economic opportunities.
In Liberia, women’s rights organisations have supported survivors of gender-based violence and promoted women’s participation in economic and public life.
Ghana has also introduced legal and policy measures aimed at strengthening women’s rights and addressing gender inequality.
However, across the region, women continue to face challenges involving access to legal services, financial resources and protection from violence and discrimination.
In Sierra Leone, the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 established measures intended to increase women’s participation in public institutions and employment.
The country has also introduced legislation addressing sexual offences and domestic violence, although implementation and access to support services remain important challenges.
Government Seeks Stronger Partnerships
The Attorney General said the meeting reinforced his belief that justice reforms must respond to the needs of people in their everyday lives.
He thanked the four organisations for their work and expressed appreciation for the lessons shared during the engagement.
Sesay also committed to working with the organisations to advance the government’s vision of delivering justice as a public service that reaches people in their communities.
While the meeting did not announce a new funding package or formal partnership agreement, it highlighted the government’s interest in working more closely with civil society organisations.
For women facing legal and economic difficulties, the effectiveness of such cooperation will depend on whether it leads to improved access to information, legal assistance and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The engagement forms part of wider discussions about how Sierra Leone can strengthen its justice system and ensure that legal protections benefit people beyond major towns and cities.
