Post-prison Support for 300 Women in Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, the legal system often disproportionately affects women, who face unique challenges when they come into contact with the law. Upon their release, the difficulties intensify, creating a cycle of disadvantage that makes reintegration into society nearly impossible. Without adequate support, these women struggle to rebuild their lives, leading to negative outcomes not only for themselves but also for their families and communities.

Some of the challenges include family dynamics and mental and emotional health. For example, stigmatization—upon release, many women experience social stigma that alienates them from their communities. This often leads to isolation, as family and friends may distance themselves due to preconceived notions about their character and past. Another is reestablishing financial stability, which presents a formidable challenge. Formerly incarcerated women frequently struggle to find employment due to their criminal records, leaving them with limited options to support themselves and their families. This financial strain can hinder their ability to rebuild lost businesses and reestablish family connections.

Through AdvocAid’s continuous efforts to work closely with the Sierra Leonean government, private sector, and all the other stakeholders, we are excited to share the news that some of the women we work with have benefitted from these efforts. On this year's International Women's Day, 8th March 2025, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs launched the "Waka Fine Buses" initiative, designed to support accessible mobility for the residents of Freetown while simultaneously creating job opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups. This initiative addresses the urgent need for transportation solutions while focusing on the empowerment of women.

As part of this initiative, we are excited to report that  ten members (of which seven have never been employed due to low levels of education) of the National Federation of Go Bifo Women Sierra Leone (also known as Go Bifo Women) have been selected for professional training in driving. Go Bifo Women comprises women and girls who have experienced incarceration and are committed to supporting one another in their reintegration journey. The Waka Fine Buses initiative will not only empower the women through skills development but also provide them with driver’s licenses, enabling them to secure employment in a sustainable and dignified manner. At AdvocAid, we see this as a huge success for women with a history of incarceration who often struggle to reestablish themselves after incarceration and grapple with anxiety and depression. We strongly believe that the reintegration of women post-incarceration back into their communities should be a holistic approach We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to GlobalGiving and all the individual donors who support our cause. Your generous donations empower us to participate in various meetings and conferences, allowing us to shed light on the challenges faced by women post-incarceration. The Waka Bus Fine initiative wwould not have happened without your support!that includes various ministries of government. We feel that with this initiative, we are truly moving in that direction, and we continue to hope that there will be more opportunities like this. 

The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual employment. By fostering economic empowerment for women with a history of incarceration, we are contributing to the dismantling of societal stigmas associated with their past. This initiative serves as a testament to the resilience of these women and their potential to become contributing members of society.

Through the “Waka Fine Buses” initiative, not only are we addressing the unemployability of these women, but we are also promoting a culture of inclusivity and support, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves a second chance.

Going forward, we encourage other stakeholders and organisations to join us in supporting initiatives that empower women and vulnerable groups, ensuring that their voices are heard and their potential is realized. Together, we can create sustainable change and foster a more inclusive future for all.