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Africell Offers Brand New 3G Smart Phones

By Amin Kef Sesay

The market leader in a fast moving and progressively connected world, Africell goes the extra mile by empowering Sierra Leone people to do more and to be more. The Company leads the market by enabling every subscriber to connect and share life as bright as it is.

Afriphone, powered by KaiOS was launched during the close of 2019 in Sierra Leone. It is a smartphone which offers 3G connectivity and access to essential and popular applications such as WhatsApp, Google Assistant, Facebook, YouTube and Google Maps, as well as unique native content, such as the Africell customer service application.

In addition, it includes other smartphone level features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC and offers a dual SIM hybrid slot that supports two SIM cards with 512 MB of memory + 256 MB of RAM. It also has a powerful battery that allows long hours of conversation.

For just Le. 250,000 an individual can GET a brand new KAIOS Smartphone which comes with: a Wireless Radio, LED Torchlight
Camera, MP3 Player, Bluetooth, Micro SD Card, GPS, Long Lasting Battery, Dual SIM. It also comes with One Year FREE Internet at 100MB per Month on the 1st SIM Card that is activated with the Smartphone.

In an engagement with the Managing Director of Africell-Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, stated: “As a digital company, Africell provides a link between yesterday and tomorrow. Our network gives everyone the freedom to be and to do what they want. People of all generations and from all walks of life can shine with the powerful tools Africell offers. We listen to the young generation, and we are committed to helping them shape the best future. Introducing this smart feature phone has helped us bring valuable digital services and information to the markets we operate in at a price that people can afford.”

From what was understood, KaiOS enables a new category of affordable smart feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience. KaiOS-enabled phones come with the KaiStore, the only app store for feature phones, with over two hundred essential apps from global and local content providers. KaiOS is now the third largest mobile operating system worldwide, running on over 100 million devices shipped across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

“We’re excited for this brand new KaiOS-powered device from Africell, which will help us continue spreading mobile internet in sub-Saharan Africa. The afriphone will have an immediate impact on people’s lives across the region, offering an inexpensive and convenient means of accessing the internet’s invaluable resources including education, banking, and healthcare for the first time. We are, and will be continuing our journey to enable a sustainable ecosystem by bringing in relevant apps and services that are designed to benefit people in emerging markets.” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies.

Telecommunications has evolved to an integral part of human interaction, and Africell is at the forefront of this evolution in Sierra Leone. With more than 70% of the market share, Africell serves almost five million active subscribers in Sierra Leone. In a world where telecommunication has transcended calls and SMS, Africell is ensuring that its subscribers are able to keep up with the rest of the world through instant messaging, captured images and videos. With 20% of customer recharges being for data products, Africell has made affordable and reliable data a priority. Quality Customer Care is a priority at Africell Sierra Leone as the company’s Customer Care center is open 7 days a week (7 am – 1 pm) and Points of Sale, in every district, to make ensure subscribes have the best service possible.

In 2008, the All Works of Life (AWOL) awarded Africell the telecommunications company of the year. Since then, the company received the award twice, in 2009 and 2011, and in 2019 Africell’s commitment to their staff was recognized by the National Telecommunications Commission. Africell has made it a responsibility to honor corporate social responsibility by actively seeking ways to alleviate poverty by promoting education, supporting entertainment and giving back to less privileged communities.

Africell prides itself on being the people’s choice. For over fifteen years the company has consistently been the leading voice in telecommunications; making innovation, affordability and social responsibilities their priority.

Fulfilling its $1.5M Pledge to the FQE… Mercury International Awards 1st Contract for Construction of Classrooms

General Manager of Mercury International, Martin Michael

By Amin Kef Sesay

The SLPP Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio has put premium on human capital development and one of its flagship programmes is the rolling out of the Free Quality Education initiative which is targeting both primary and secondary pupils attending public schools. The introduction of the programme was warmly welcomed by many because prior to this time educational expenses were a burden on most parents and invariably the number of school drop outs was very high.

Since the Free Quality Education scheme commenced we witnessed a sharp increase in the enrolment of children in public schools and the number still keeps on increasing especially in those places where it is complemented by the school feeding programme.

Indeed, the rolling out of the initiative is not all that smooth ride as there are teething challenges that must be overcome to ensure that its impact is positively felt and seen. One of these challenges is inadequate classroom spaces to accommodate the growing number of pupils that are enrolled in schools.

In order to deal with some of these challenges the SLPP led Government made provision for 21 percent in the national budget for the implementation of the free education programme. However, it has been realized that such could not be adequate to fund the scheme which makes it imperative to source funding from donor partners.

Against such a backdrop, the leading betting company in the country, Mercury International Company Sierra Leone Limited last year pledged 1.5 million dollars toward the construction of 90 classrooms in identified priority areas for four years. After making that pledge the company has been constantly engaging the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to develop the project and map out the designs for modern-day school infrastructure. Ultimately, Mercury has awarded of the first contract to Ideas Limited for the construction of a Government Secondary School in Port Loko District, North West Region.

The building will comprise 6 classroom blocks, science laboratories, principal and staff offices, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and a playground for pupils.

On the 11th March 2020 the company signed the contract with Ideas Limited and during the process Mercury International Managing Director, Martin Michael, said the building will cost a little over 5 billion Leones and it will be completed before the start of the 2020/2021 academic year. He said Ideas Limited is an indigenous company with a good track record of service delivery.

He said: “…we are finally ready to sign the first contract for the construction of the first all-girls school in Port Loko.”

Martin said Port Loko was chosen because they want to actualize the promise President Bio made to the people in the district. Besides, the Northern Region is estimated to have the highest illiterate population in Sierra Leone. Statistical analyses of the 2015 Population and Housing Census show that the percentage of illiterate females far exceeds that of males across all regions.

It is expected that when the project is completed it will boost the Free Quality Education flagship programme, enhance literacy outcomes and contribute to achieving gender parity in education.

NP-SL Ltd is a Source of Pride & a Fountain of Inspiration

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is among one of the oldest thriving indigenous companies that have stood the test of time in this country and it is viably moving from one height to another. A committed and dedicated company that is here for real business, NP-SL is an epitome of how selflessness and sincerity of purpose can powerfully transform an initiative into a towering business entity. The original 35 Sierra Leonean shareholders really harnessed those attributes very well and infused them in policies and managerial decisions that contributed immensely to the development of the company.

It is an established fact that certain indigenous companies were ambitiously set up by some individuals with big dreams of turning them into conglomerates. Lamentably, with time some of those business ventures collapsed like a pack of cards as a result of internal pressures and external forces. Unwise managerial decisions, political unrests, inability to strongly compete and sheer lack of perseverance sent some of those companies into oblivion well before consolidating their bases. With particular reference to the 11 year senseless war that wasted lives and properties most locally founded business entities just dissipated into thin air.

Authoritatively, it can be categorically stated that NP-SL is an exception to the norm. Like other business entities, NP-SL was badly shaken by the war but it will interest many to know that though it was seriously affected such did not deter the resolve of NP-SL to continue doing business as it used to do before. With confirmation of relative peace in the country NP-SL bounced back and by putting the right things in place normal transactions in petroleum products gradually took momentum to the utmost satisfaction of many. Today, amidst teething challenges, the company keeps surviving.

Currently, the company has earned a good reputation for enhanced customer service delivery as a result of its pro-active stance in always trying to optimize customer care, which it holds in high esteem with the view that in the absence of its numerous customers then the company’s existence is meaningless. To the shareholders and Management of the company, achieving customer satisfaction is very precious and key which is why it does everything within its reach and reasonably to give customers high grade petroleum products at affordable prices.

Through its pro-activeness and the ultimate need to succeed, latest calibrated pumping machines were installed at the company’s various Filling Stations having the capacity to pump the appropriate quantity of petroleum products paid for. As they are very transparent, these calibrated pumping machines continue to instil confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent company as well as feeling that they are getting their money’s worth.

Within the same ambit of bringing technology closer to its customers for enhanced transactions, the idea of availing its customers the use of NP Smart Card was borne. Today we hear of “fuel on your smart card” which figuratively could be interpreted within the context of using a financially loaded NP Smart Card to purchase the right number of petroleum products one intends to utilize without any physical monetary transactions.

Using NP Smart Card guarantees safety, saves time and gives air of importance to the holders, some considering them as the crème-de la crème of society, when in actual fact anyone can make use of it. It creates a situation where a customer will intermittently know the balance money on his card and use such information to make informed decisions as to further top up or utilize, for example, the quantity of fuel that the balance amount could procure.

With a view to make people gain easy access to a device that could be suitable for various cooking purposes, NP Gas was introduced and since gas is one of the petroleum products that is up for sale then it just falls in place that it will be prudent to make it convenient for people to access them at their filling stations and from authorized dealers, going at affordable prices. It had been undoubtedly proven that they are environmentally friendly and safe to use as well as refill. NP Gas has now become the ubiquitous cooking friend in many households and many are trying not to miss out on it.

Strengthening relevant institutions as it did recently in capacitating the Kissy Branch National Fire Force with a standard water facility to capably respond to fire emergencies is just one way through which NP is complementing efforts being made by both the central and local Governments in fostering development interventions geared towards improving overall standards of living.

When job opportunities are created from time to time, the negative impacts of poverty subside with a corresponding upsurge in peace and tranquillity. Instead of tempers rising, daggers drawn out there will be joy and harmonious co-existence. Through its expansionist drive and to match up with modern trends, NP-SL has been providing various jobs for many who were hitherto at the lower ends of society. Family lives have been transformed for the better and there is room for future positive outcomes.

What is so unique about the company is its policy to have in its employ Sierra Leoneans making it a truly indigenous company that is strictly adhering to the country’s Local content Policy. The company is a 100% indigenous company.

People who intend to set up businesses that they would like to flourish must understudy NP-SL, see how it grew and learn valuable lessons that could serve as a roadmap to higher heights. It is truly a source of pride and inspiration.

US Embassy 2019 Human Rights Report Captures the Media

US Ambassador to Sierra Leone: Maria E. Brewer

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 11th March 2020, the United States Department of State released the 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (otherwise known as The Human Rights Report) focusing on different aspects of the nation. This medium, over time, will be publishing certain aspects of the Report. In this edition our focus is on Freedom of Expression including that for the Press, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly as well as Movement.

The Report Reads:

The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and press, and the Government generally respected these rights, but there were exceptions.

Freedom of Expression: Government officials used criminal slander provisions of the law to impede witness testimony in court cases, including anti-corruption matters, and to target persons making statements that the Government considered to be against the national interest. While there is no hate speech law, at times authorities used hate speech as a legal justification for restricting freedom of speech.

The HRCSL and Amnesty International reported no arrests or detentions in relation to freedom of expression.

Press and Media: Most registered newspapers were independent, although several were associated with political parties. Newspapers openly and routinely criticized the Government and its officials as well as opposition parties. While independent broadcast media generally operated without restriction, there were exceptions. International media could operate freely but were required to register with the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Government-funded Independent Media Commission to obtain a license. Acting beyond its mandate, the National Telecommunications Commission of Sierra Leone instructed all community radio stations to register as commercial stations, which requires the payment of a license fee. According to a media rights NGO, the fee requirement would force many stations, particularly in rural areas, to shut down.

Violence and Harassment: There were reports authorities used violence and harassment against journalists. In September presidential bodyguards physically assaulted two female journalists reporting on a sporting event at the national stadium, where President Bio was in attendance. The presidential guards reportedly threatened to shoot the journalists, and one of them was hospitalized. In October an investigative committee composed of civil society, media, and Government officials recommended the removal of one presidential guard from the force, and the Government complied. In October two opposition party members, including a former Mayor of Freetown, were arrested and charged with the 2018 murder of journalist Ibrahim Samura.

Libel/Slander Laws: The law punishes defamatory and seditious libel with imprisonment of up to three years. In September the Cabinet voted to repeal the criminal libel law, but as of November, Parliament had not approved the repeal. According to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, during the year at least eight journalists were arrested under criminal libel law on allegations of defamation and libel.

In January police arrested and detained for two days the Editor of Nightwatch newspaper, Emmanuel Thorli, for defamatory libel and released him on bail. Police investigators reportedly pressured the journalist to disclose the source of an article about the issuance of diplomatic passports to 300 relatives of President Bio.

On November 3, a comedian was arrested and charged under criminal libel law for allegedly defaming President Bio.

Upon assuming office in 2018, President Bio introduced an executive order lifting the ban on public assembly, including Sunday trading, imposed by his predecessor.

In a few cases, police used excessive force when dealing with demonstrators and used public order law to deny requests for protests and demonstrations. On May 31, police fired teargas canisters into the headquarters building of the opposition APC, which resulted in several injuries.

The constitution and law provide for freedom of internal movement, foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, and the government generally respected these rights. On February 19, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security indefinitely suspended all overseas labor recruitment. Minister Edward King indicated that the rationale for this ban was to discourage trafficking in persons.

In-country Movement: There were reports that police officers operating security roadblocks nationwide as part of routine security checks often extorted money from motorists. The SLP banned unauthorized vehicular movement during an August 24 parliamentary by-election. All political parties, including the main opposition APC party, welcomed the restriction. The government continued to enforce a ban on civilian individuals and vehicular movement on the first Saturday of each month in order to support a nationwide cleaning exercise. This ban interfered with a religious group’s right to assemble for Saturday morning prayers.

President Bio Receives Communiqué from APPA

By Sam Pratt

At State House on Wednesday 11 March 2020 the Executive Members of the All Political Parties Association, APPA, recently elected,  paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to present a joint communiqué signed by twelve registered political parties to maintain peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

Outgone Chairperson, Madam Augusta James-Teima, said that they were delighted to have had their first meeting with the President, saying that as an Association they were putting hands together to support any Government in power for the good of the nation. She added that they were proud to support the National Civil Registration exercise, saying that that was a positive thing that would bring development to the country.

The new Chairman, Prince Coker, said that even though they had people with different political ideologies, they were ready to collaborate with Government in the interest of the country. He said that as part of their efforts to support the development process, they had signed the communiqué to maintain peace and stability in the nation. He also thanked the Government for its support to the Association.

In his response, President Bio congratulated the newly elected members and recalled that he created the platform for the creation of the Association in 1995, noting that he was appreciative of the fact that they had been able to keep the Association together. He also stated that development was a collective effort and added that he was pleased that the Association is helping the nation by creating the environment for peace.

 

Planning Minister Steers UNDP Executive Board Meeting

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai

By Theresa Kef Sesay

On the 10th March 2020 the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai  chaired the maiden UNDP Country Program Document (CPD 2020-2023) board meeting held with the objective of setting the stage for the reviewing of the UNDP Country Office performance on the CPD implementation.

The CPD Board, which is the highest decision-making body designed to ensure UNDP’s accountability for activities, results, and the judicious use of resources; while fostering national ownership and alignment to national agendas would provide an overall guidance and direction in the implementation of the CPD. This would ensure the core standards of best value for money, fairness, integrity, transparency, accountability and ‘Leave no-one behind’.

Welcoming members of the CPD Board, Minister Kai-Kai expressed his gratitude to colleagues present from key Ministries expected to participate in the implementation of the UNDP Country Program Document; noting that it demonstrated the Government’s commitment to supporting the CPD (2020-2023). He said the Board would guide programming and support development management, which would play a critical role in the country’s road to delivery in year 2020.

Dr. Kai-Kai said the President Bio-led Government is deeply focused in addressing issues within key sectors, targeting Human Capital Development, which he said, was adequately covered by the UNDP CPD (2020-2023), especially within the youth sector.

“This Government is passionate in making sure the youths are focused and continue to be critical in the development process of Sierra Leone. It is crucial for us to empower and strengthen the capacity of young people, as key actors in promoting the National Development Agenda,” he said.

Dr. Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative while thanking the people of Sierra Leone including development partners for their support to the UNDP program cycle in the last 4-years; noted that despite the several tragedies including Ebola, mudslide and flooding their programs proved to be largely successful.

He said the UNDP was hoping the next 4- years would be a period of development and result-orienting, as outlined in the document. Dr. Doe said he was looking forward to working closely with the board to deliver in the ’Year of Delivery’ and the 4-year UNDP program cycle.

The CPD, which is estimated at US$102 million over a 4-year period, would be implemented through two interdependent clusters, which are inclusive democratic governance (IDG) and sustainability and local economic development (SLED). The funds are expected to be mobilised mostly from non-core resources.

 

Chairman of Padiyath HealthCare Reveals Investment Plan

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Hazeeb Rahman who happens to be the Chairman of Padiyath HealthCare, paid a visit to Sierra Leone this past weekend to express their interest on National Healthcare Infrastructure Project for the country. Padiyath HealthCare, Technology, Technique and Touch intend to create a world-class healthcare infrastructure at affordable cost.

Dr. Rahman, in a brief discussion, with the Press on his arrival at the Sea Coach terminal, Aberdeen said Padiyath HealthCare based in India are running 23 hospitals in 8 countries currently including Dubai, India and some in Africa.

He disclosed that they are planning to invest in a major way in the healthcare sector of Sierra Leone and what they are going to do will depend on the assurance and support they got from the Sierra Leone Government.

“We are trying to build good healthcare system for the population of the country. We are planning to bring in a low-cost healthcare system which is efficient for the least person and it will benefit them 100%.”

90% of Africans population is outside the reach of the organized healthcare. They are forced to go to quacks or unqualified people treating people and eventually results in loss of life or permanent damage. “Gift of health” is a healthcare programme where in the Government can in a period of 6 months bring the entire population under the purview of organized healthcare.

“By way of this project the Government fixes the healthcare cost of the family and the Government says that it’s the “Gift of Health” to the population from the national Government called “Afro health”.

He emphasized that the project provides complete healthcare including all major surgeries with few exceptions to the population at only $40 per family per month (family of 5 members 2 adults and 3 children). “This scheme includes all Radiography, Laboratory and Surgeries with a very small exception.”

Hon. Alex Mattia Rogers representing Constituency 102 Pujehun District is the focal person for Padiyath HealthCare in Sierra Leone. He said the proposed project is between the Government of Sierra Leone and the group which is a multi-national healthcare group operating in India, Dubai and Africa.

He disclosed that the presence of Padiyath HealthCare in Sierra Leone is through the invitation of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Hon. Rogers went on to say the healthcare plan will target the poor.

The Chairman of Padiyath HealthCare, Dr. Hazeeb Rahman made a PowerPoint presentation to the two Deputy Ministers of Health and other senior health officials at the Ministry and presented documents to them about their investment plan for Sierra Leone.

He inspected Connaught Hospital to get first-hand information about the hospital but not too happy about the state of the hospital and the facility.

Dr. Rahman expressed interest to take over some of the major hospitals in the country in collaboration with the Health Ministry.

“I am very much impressed when I go through the documents. This is the kind of credible investor we are looking for. Now I am doing a national service not only for my Constituency. I hope the government will welcome it, considering the passion President Bio has for it citizens.”

Hon. Rogers disclosed that Padiyath HealthCare has a vision to construct modern hospitals in Sierra Leone, bring in 40 specialist doctors that will be embarking on surgical operations which cost thousands of Dollars. “They want to discourage people that are spending huge amounts of money to do operations out of the country.”

He also disclosed that $40 million has been set aside for the project in Sierra Leone. They have to refurbish the hospitals they will take over, come with specialists Doctors, Pharmacia among others.

The two Deputy Ministers of Health of Sierra Leone were very much impressed and suggested that Dr. Rahman should develop a concept document and MoU which they will look at.

 

Waterloo Correctional Inmates Receive Goodies from Ladies With Vision

Cross section members of Ladies with Vision

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay

On International Women’s Day, Ladies with Vision interacted and donated certain items amidst words of inspiration to inmates of the Western Area Rural Correctional Service.

The day which was celebrated last Sunday 8th March 2020 saw Ladies with Vision in their full gear interacting with female inmates at the Pre-trial detention and stimulation center in Kissi Town, Waterloo. Ladies with Vision continued their “Each for Equal” activism on that day.

The ladies took along food and non-food items for the female inmates as well as inspired them to be strong despite the fact that their freedom of movement is been restricted which according to them is not end of their lives.

Ladies with Vision’s Founder and President, Madiana Mensah-Gborie expressed the view that they are feeling the way the inmates are feeling underscoring how they are with them to demonstrate love and care.

She expressed thanks to God for enabling them to meet the needs of the female inmates and promised that their visit will not be the first and last but one that will be coming. “We need to celebrate you and we will continue to do more not only on International Women’s Days,” she intimated.

Ladies with Vision is a non-profit organization comprising hardworking and highly motivated females working together to ensure national development by inspiring and empowering vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone.

Ladies with Vision team educated and inspired the inmates saying they believe in women. “We believe in our strength to conquer every situation and we believe that no matter your situation, you deserve equal opportunities to basic needs just like other normal women.”

Kadiatu Bangura took the inmates through nutrition while Mrs. Nanah Kamara spoke about hygiene and Safinatu Hashim spoke on stress management among other speakers.

Mercury International Launches ‘Responsible Gaming Campaign’

General Manager of Mercury International, Martin Michael

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In order to enhance responsible gaming in the country and to raise awareness to prevent children under the age of eighteen from betting, Mercury International has on Wednesday 11th March, 2020 launched the #StayInControl Responsible Gaming Campaign at their Bathurst Street Office in Freetown.

Speaking during the launch, General Manager of Mercury International, Martin Michael, disclosed that Mercury International is proud to launch the #StayInControl campaign, adding that as an established brand in Sierra Leone that is proud of the work they are doing in communities through the rolling out of its corporate social responsibility the institution takes Responsible Gaming very seriously.

He said that only Mercury International has numerous online betting tools to help its customers ‘Stay In Control’, which include loss, bet, time and deposits limits, as well as self-exclusion options whiles other online firms require someone to contact them before having time-out, but said with Mercury International’s www.mercurybet.com  such allows its customers to do it immediately and manually.

He further disclosed that the Stay In Control campaign sends a clear message; gaming is for those over 18 years of age only and should only be used socially by adults maintaining that Mercury encourages its customers to use their designated tools to keep track of their gaming.

“Responsible Gaming is extremely important to us, which is highlighted by the fact that we lead the industry with protective limits and tools on our website. However, we believe there is more to be done to remind people of what gaming is for. It should be a social experience and one to enjoy,” he stressed.

He said that gaming should never be considered as a source of income, and the Stay in Control Campaign shows this while giving people useful information if they feel they need support.

He noted that as part of the campaign, Mercury International will be training staff and retailers to help them spot signs of problem gaming and act in a responsible manner and to identify anyone below 18 years of age, adding that Mercury staff and retailers will be trained and instructed to ask for identification from any person that seems to be under the age of 21 years old.

Executive Director of Legal Aid Board Honoured

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles

By Fatmata Jengbe

On Monday, 9 March 2020 the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles was honoured with the opening of the Open-Field Legal Education Exhibition organized by the Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation (LEWAF) as part of celebrations marking International Women’s Day. The exhibition was held at Foamex Field in Calaba Town.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles called the over one thousand female Community-Based Justice Advocates to use the Legal Education training they have acquired to work with stakeholders to bring peace and respect for human rights in their respective communities.

“You should ensure people know and respect the law,” she said. “You should also ensure women are given the respect they deserve. Man are taking advantage of women despite their immense contributions to the home and the community.”

She emphasized that to become a good advocate, they should first correct themselves before correcting others. “As representatives of the community, you have to lead by example.” Carlton-Hanciles said.

Earlier one, the Executive Director of LEWAF, Mohamed Jalloh said the purpose of the exhibition is for the Community Advocates to showcase the knowledge they have acquired from the Open Society for West Africa (OSIWA) funded project. It is aimed at educating women on the laws that are relevant to protecting and advancing their rights and interest in the home and community.

The keynote speaker, Ms. Simitie Lavaly said the laws must guarantee equality between men and women. She noted that the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone is leading by example as the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Act provides that at least two of the five Commissioners should be female.

She called on the women to know the law and use the law to protect themselves.  She emphasized that Legal Empowerment is about knowing the law, enforcing one’s rights and shaping the law.

Deputy Minister of Social Welfare underscored the commitment of the Government in promoting issues around the women. Other speakers include the Member of Parliament for Calaba Town and its environs, the Head of the Family Support unit at the Calaba Town Police station,  the Representative of Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO) and Tribal Authorities.

The event was climaxed with interaction with the Community–Based Justice Advocates as they explain aspects of law relating to the four gender laws using pictures.

 

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