By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
AdvocAid convened a roundtable discussion at the YMCA Hall in Freetown on Thursday, focusing on the decriminalization and declassification of petty offenses that disproportionately affect women and girls in Sierra Leone. The meeting aimed to push for necessary reforms to address legal challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Fatmata Jalloh, a project officer at AdvocAid, highlighted the organization’s dedication to supporting women and girls and its ongoing efforts since 2017 to advance a repeal bill for petty offenses, currently under review by cabinet and parliamentary committees.
During the session, paralegal Mr. Ayo from Western Rural outlined specific petty offenses being addressed, such as loitering, minor traffic violations, and nonpayment of small debts. He stressed the discriminatory nature of these offenses, which are often vaguely defined and disproportionately impact women and marginalized groups.
Jalloh also noted AdvocAid’s collaborations with grassroots organizations and financial service providers, including microcredit organizations that support market women. The roundtable concluded with a commitment to initiate multi-stakeholder dialogues aimed at developing strategies to reduce the arrest, abuse, and detention of low-income earners for minor offenses.
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