By Rebecca Wood | Executive Director
Incarceration is often the outcome for women found guilty of a crime in Sierra Leone. On occasion, courts may impose an alternative sentence, such as a fine, for less serious offences. However, the reality is that many women – particularly those living in poverty – are unable to afford these fines and instead have to serve their term in prison. With support from your donations, AdvocAid has been able to help Abibatu* and Marie* pay their fines and avoid incarceration.
Abibatu, a young woman, was convicted of larceny. Following the death of Abibatu’s father, her brother decided to give the deceased father’s mobile phone to Abibaty to use. The father was polygamous, with other wives and children. One of these daughters disputed the brother’s decision to give Abibatu the mobile phone and decided to report her to the police station. During the police investigation, the brother was not contacted or interviewed as a witness – Abubatu was found guilty by the court and sentenced to 1 year in prison or a fine of SLL 800,000 (about $85). AdvocAid met Abibatu at the Bo Female Correctional Centre and learnt about her story. Abibatu and her boyfriend were only able to raise SLL 500,000 (about $60 – the monthly minimum wage in Sierra Leone) and AdvocAid was able to provide the remaining SLL 300,000.
Marie, also a young woman, was convicted of domestic violence. Her husband had abandoned her a year before, but her children remained living with him. Through them, she learnt he had begun another relationship. She confronted him about this – he alleges that she slapped him, she maintains that she only slapped the cup of poyo (palm wine) from his hands. She also noted to the police that he had physically abused her for several years before the abandonment. Nonetheless, the court found her guilty of domestic violence and sentenced her to 2 years in prison or a fine of SLL 1,000,000 ($120). Faced with two years away from her children, Marie’s family were able to raise SLL 500,000 but no more – AdvocAid was able to provide the remaining SLL 500,000.
Both Abibatu and Marie were released the day these fines were paid and return to their lives. It is with your donations that we were able to help these women avoid incarceration and return to their families, children and business. On behalf of the women and girls we work with, thank you very much for your generosity.
Next month Global Giving will be launching a bonus day; on July 18th any donations of $100 or over will be matched 100% by Global Giving. Please consider donating on July 18th - your donation will be doubled and directly support our work with incarcerated women and girls.
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*Names have been changed to protect the individuals’ identities.
By Rebecca Wood | Executive Director
By Rebecca Wood | Executive Director
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