Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) Sierra Leone is implementing the Comic Relief-funded project ‘Promoting Access to Justice and Transforming Negative Social Norms through Women Human Rights Awareness in Sierra Leone.’ Now in Year 2 of a four-year implementation period, the project works across seven communities in seven (7) communities in six chiefdoms in Bo District: Nengbema and Sahn in Niawa Lenga Chiefdom; Mandu in Valunia Chiefdom; Gboyama in Wonde Chiefdom; Jimi in Bagbo Chiefdom; Sumbuya in Lugbu Chiefdom; and Telu in Bongor Chiefdom
The project addresses the structural barriers that prevent rural women and girls from accessing justice and exercising their rights. It does so through three integrated pillars: (1) establishing community-based paralegal networks to bridge the gap between rural communities and the formal justice system; (2) creating safe spaces for adolescent girls, supported by trained mentors, to build life skills, sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and protection awareness; and (3) engaging men and boys through gender transformative groups to challenge discriminatory attitudes, negative social norms, and harmful practices including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The monitoring visits confirm that the project’s community structures are the engine of our results. A lot was achieved because we did not just deliver activities, we built systems that communities now own and run, even in the rains. VSLA groups are moving from saving to real economic action. Women are using loans for farming, petty trading, and school fees for their children. Mentors are active in homes, schools, and they identify at-risk girls
Moreover, the paralegals are trusted, accessible, and acting. They are educating families on the law; A community paralegal is the bridge between the law and the people. They don’t replace lawyers or police, but they make justice accessible at the village level, especially for women and girls and finally, Safe Spaces are full every week, even when it rains. Girls come for counseling, mentorship, SRHR education, and peer support. Girls are becoming agents of change. Safe Space members are forming school clubs and leading anti-FGM/C talks among their peers. Protected girls are protecting others.
Together with like-minded institutions — government MDAs, CSOs, traditional leaders, women’s groups, faith actors, the media, and donors like Comic Relief — we are building one loud, united voice!!
