By Ibrahim S. Bangura
A coalition of gender rights advocates and correctional authorities in Sierra Leone has recently called for expanded microfinance opportunities and practical skills training for female inmates as part of a broader strategy to break the cycle of reoffending.
The recommendation emerged following a stakeholder review of a welfare intervention targeting women in detention facilities across the country.The initiative, led by the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone in partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, brought together civil society groups, human rights officials, and prison administrators at the 50/50 Group complex in Freetown. The meeting aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a project designed to improve the welfare of women incarcerated in correctional facilities while identifying longer-term solutions to the structural challenges that often push them back into conflict with the law.
Participants at the review noted that while the project had delivered critical support to female detainees, the deeper issue of economic exclusion remained a central factor contributing to female incarceration and repeat offenses.
As part of the intervention, project teams conducted visits to correctional centres in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and the capital, assessing the living conditions of women behind bars. During the visits, the teams distributed hygiene materials and provided psychosocial support services to inmates, many of whom face severe emotional stress and limited access to basic necessities.
Madam Bintu, the project facilitator, explained that the field visits allowed the team to observe first-hand the daily realities faced by female prisoners. According to her, the exercise was intended not only to provide immediate assistance but also to identify priority areas that require policy attention. “The visits helped us assess the stark conditions in which many of these women are living. By engaging directly with inmates and prison authorities, we were able to identify critical gaps in welfare support and rehabilitation services,” she said.
However, discussions during the review quickly shifted beyond emergency relief toward strategies for long-term reintegration. Stakeholders emphasized that without meaningful economic opportunities after release, many former inmates remain vulnerable to poverty and social stigma, which increases the likelihood of recidivism.
Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, Director of Programs at the 50/50 Group, said the project exposed several vulnerabilities unique to women in detention. These included restricted access to adequate sanitation facilities, emotional trauma linked to separation from families, and limited opportunities to acquire skills that could support their livelihoods after release.
While acknowledging the value of welfare support, she stressed that sustainable reintegration requires targeted economic empowerment initiatives. “We cannot only respond to immediate needs. If we truly want to prevent women from returning to prison, we must address the economic barriers they face once they leave correctional facilities,” said Ibrahim.
Human rights advocates echoed similar concerns. Representatives from the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone argued that restoring dignity for incarcerated women must go beyond humanitarian support and include access to capital and livelihood opportunities.
Commissioner Simitie Lavaly emphasized that economic empowerment should form a central pillar of rehabilitation programs. According to Lavaly, giving women access to small loans and vocational training can significantly improve their chances of building independent lives outside prison. “We must empower them through capacity building and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Dignity cannot be restored if individuals leave prison only to return to the same conditions of poverty and exclusion that contributed to their incarceration,” Lavaly stated.
One of the key proposals emerging from the discussions was the creation of interest-free microfinance schemes specifically designed for women leaving correctional facilities. Stakeholders suggested that such programs could help former inmates start small businesses or pursue self-employment opportunities.
Participants also recommended expanding vocational training within prisons to ensure that women acquire practical skills before completing their sentences. Suggested training areas included tailoring, food processing, hairdressing, and small-scale agriculture—skills considered relevant to local markets.
In addition, the meeting addressed the unique needs of pregnant detainees and nursing mothers within correctional facilities. Advocates urged authorities to explore alternatives to incarceration for such individuals where possible, particularly in cases involving minor offenses.
Correctional authorities acknowledged the importance of strengthening rehabilitation programs and improving reintegration support systems.
Susan B. Koker, speaking alongside officials from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, said reducing repeat offenses requires a coordinated approach that links prison rehabilitation efforts with post-release support. “Rehabilitation and reintegration remain critical to reducing reoffending and promoting social inclusion,” she noted.
Participants concluded that while welfare interventions provide essential relief, they represent only a first step toward addressing the systemic challenges facing female inmates in Sierra Leone.
Stakeholders also pledged to continue collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to expand programs aimed at supporting female detainees and former inmates.
For advocates, the message from the review was clear: addressing the root causes of female incarceration requires moving beyond short-term aid and investing in the economic independence of women who have experienced the justice system.