Access to Justice for 500 Women in Sierra Leone

One of the most concerning issues within Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system is the insensitivity to gender. This often results in laws, either in their formation or implementation, leaving women vulnerable and disadvantaged. Despite the promise of equality under the law, many women, like Lizzy (anonymised), face circumstances that are likely to result in a denial of justice. The criminal justice system often fails to take into consideration the lived experiences of many Sierra Leonean women, most of whom engage in petty trading, a key economic activity across the country and a critical source of income for many households.

Lizzy, a 35-year-old businesswoman and mother of three, experienced this firsthand. After the death of her husband in November 2023, she became the sole breadwinner for her family. Struggling financially, her once-flourishing business declined, forcing her to buy goods in small quantities from street vendors to make ends meet. In February 2024, Lizzy unknowingly purchased 15 pairs of slippers from a boy who claimed his mother had given them to him to sell. As street vending is common in Sierra Leone, she had no reason to suspect that the slippers were stolen. When the goods were reported stolen, Lizzy was arrested. The police did not take into account her difficult circumstances or the fact that she had no knowledge of the slippers’ origin.

AdvocAid’s paralegal, who was monitoring the police station, became aware of Lizzy’s case. After speaking with her, the paralegal realised that Lizzy had unknowingly bought stolen goods and intervened. The complainant initially wanted to press charges if the boy who sold the slippers was not found. However, AdvocAid’s paralegal advocated for Lizzy to be granted bail so she could assist in locating the boy. Lizzy cooperated with the police, and within a few days, the boy was found. The complainant, satisfied with the return of the stolen slippers, withdrew the case. 

Without AdvocAid’s timely intervention, Lizzy could have been wrongfully charged and potentially imprisoned. Instead, she was able to continue her life and support her family. This case highlights the critical importance of legal aid for women in contact with the law, especially in a system that often fails to consider gender-sensitive issues. AdvocAid’s role in Lizzy’s case not only ensured justice but also demonstrated how proper legal intervention can prevent unjust outcomes and provide individuals with a fair chance at resolving their legal challenges. This is only made possible from donations we receive from you and so we thank you for supporting our work.