In a significant step toward promoting justice and transforming negative social norms, Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL), with support from Comic Relief, organized a dynamic three-day engagement in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. Held at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Regional Office, the event brought together 21 (7F, 14M) community-based paralegals from seven communities (Gboyama, Jimmi, Sumbuya, Telu, Nengbema, Sahn and Mandu) across six chiefdoms (Wonde, Bagbo, Lugbu, Bongor, Niawa Lenga and Valunia) in Bo District.
The training, titled ‘TEAM MEETINGS AND REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN, THE RESPONSE AND IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY, SHORTCOMINGS, IMPROVEMENT AND ADAPTATION OF PEDAGOGIC MATERIAL’, focused on equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to drive change in their communities. With a gender-balanced cohort of 14 men and 7 women, three participants from each community, comprising two males and one female, the sessions fostered inclusive dialogue and collaboration
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions and practical exercises covering critical areas such as:
Community-Based Activities: Reviewing the scope and impact of ongoing initiatives.
Community Responses and Impact: Assessing how these activities have influenced local attitudes and behaviours.
Challenges and Solutions: Identifying shortcomings and sharing strategies to overcome them.
Pedagogic Material Improvement: Adapting tools and resources for greater effectiveness.
Human Rights and Legal Frameworks: Exploring general principles and basic knowledge of Sierra Leone’s laws.
Role of Community-Based Paralegals: Understanding their purpose and significance in fostering justice.
Key Gender Laws: Highlighting their impact on promoting equality and combating violence.
Communication and Conflict Resolution: Developing skills for effective community engagement and dispute resolution
The event culminated in the development of actionable community-specific action plans, designed to guide participants in their ongoing work as community-based paralegals. These plans serve as a roadmap for addressing local challenges, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to justice for all.
