Post-prison Support for 300 Women in Sierra Leone

In May, AdvocAid, in partnership with the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya and Clean Start, successfully implemented a comprehensive programmed aimed at empowering women post post in Sierra Leone. The initiative, which focused on fostering collaborative partnerships, provided a three-day financial management training to 35 women from the National Federation of Go Bifo Women. This report highlights the impact of the training and the significance of empowering formerly incarcerated women.

The three-day financial management training was conducted across AdvocAid's various office locations in Sierra Leone. The training was designed to equip formerly incarcerated women with essential financial skills, enabling them to achieve independence and stability. The programme covered crucial topics, including financial planning and budgeting, income sources, and the importance of saving.

The training program focused on imparting practical skills to the participants, including:
Understanding income sources, including wages, salaries, business sales, and personal donations from family and friends
Creating a budget and prioritising expenses
Saving regularly using methods such as the envelope or account method
Building a financial cushion for unexpected expenses

At the end of the financial management training, women expressed that the training had profoundly impacted them as they struggled to save and manage their finances. It has surely equipped them with essential financial skills, the training has empowered them to take control of their finances, make informed decisions, and achieve independence.