In a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, AdvocAid, a feminist legal organization, marked International Women’s Day 2024 with a symposium held in Kenema on March 12th. The event aimed to amplify the theme of this year's IWD, "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress," by advocating for a gender-sensitive justice system to mitigate the impact of incarceration on women, girls, and their children.

The symposium served as a platform for diverse stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from civil society organizations, legal aid groups, and women's rights advocates, to engage in discussions centered around advancing gender equality within the justice system. Notable attendees included the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the National Federation of Go Bifo Women Sierra Leone, the Rainbo Center, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Human Rights Commission.

Jalahan Amara Jakema, AdvocAid’s South East Programmes Officer, underscored the symposium's dual focus on advocating for a gender-sensitive justice system while celebrating women's achievements across all sectors. She urged women to actively participate in community development and decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of their voices in driving positive change.

Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa, the Police Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the relevance of the forum in addressing contemporary challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the necessity of investing in women's education to empower them to lead and implement community-driven projects effectively. Musa reiterated the police force's commitment to ensuring community safety and encouraged women to report issues requiring police intervention.

The symposium concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting women's development and protection. The significance of amplifying women's voices in all spheres was underscored as pivotal to achieving sustainable development and gender equality in Sierra Leone.

The event served as a testament to the collective efforts of various stakeholders in advocating for a more equitable and inclusive justice system, reflective of Sierra Leone's commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women.