SaloneWomen

About #SierraLeonean women and for the world. #InspiringWomen #positivo

[SaloneWomen @SaloneWomen]

Let stop all forms of violence againstwomen.- Adama Samuel Fofanah
I wake up every morning scheming my escape
But what about my children?
Who will believe me?
Who will give me a home?
Years go by And I am still waiting
When will this end?
#16DaysofActivism2019 #orangetheworld

[SIERRAEYESALONE @sierraeyesalone]

"I am 26 and from #SierraLeone, where I used to work in hospitals as a state-registered nurse. My friends heard that the British NHS needed doctors and nurses so they applied for jobs, but they don’t always give out visas, so I didn’t try.

I entered Tunisia last November and was travelling in a group of men and women, with my husband and my late brother’s four-year-old daughter." https://t.co/hWB2BeKRQB

[Kai @OfficialSamaKai]

I had the pleasure of shooting six stylish women in Freetown 🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱, embracing their West African heritage through vibrant traditional wear. From bold Gara prints to intricate embroidery, their outfits beautifully blend tradition with modern fashion, connecting past and present

[SIERRAEYESALONE @sierraeyesalone]

Justice for Sia Fatu Kamara

By all accounts, Sia Fatu Kamara was a vibrant symbol of hope and progress in #Freetown. Her tragic death is a call to action for all of us.

In the wake of the tragic demise of Sia Fatu Kamara, a promising young Communications Executive at the Freetown City Council @FCC_Freetown, #SierraLeone confronts once again the grim reality of domestic violence—a persistent plague ravaging our society silently. Sia’s untimely death serves as a brutal reminder of the urgency with which we must address the violence infiltrating our homes and communities.

Passionately committed to transforming Freetown into a greener, more sustainable city, Sia's life was cut tragically short. Allegations suggest that fatal injuries from a brutal attack by her boyfriend—marked by broken ribs and a damaged spinal cord—abruptly ended her promising future. Although her boyfriend is detained at the Lumley Police Station, we must uphold the principle of presumed innocence until proven guilty. Nevertheless, the circumstances of her death necessitate a thorough and transparent investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department @PoliceLeone. If evidence supports the allegations, it must not be treated as business as usual. The perpetrator should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and if convicted, receive the maximum penalty allowed. This decisive action is essential not only for justice for Sia but also to signal a zero-tolerance stance against domestic violence in our society.

Disturbing Data on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence in Sierra Leone extends beyond individual tragedies. Deeply entrenched in our society's fabric, influenced by cultural, economic, and systemic roots, it persists as a barrier to women's contribution to development and society. According to a @WorldBank blog, the most reported forms of gender-based violence #GBV among women and girls aged 15-49 are physical and sexual violence (62%) and spousal violence (61%). For women and girls living with disabilities, the risks of violence are 2-3 times higher than their non-disabled counterparts. Survivors often lack financial resources to access legal and medical services, particularly in rural areas.

Regional disparities further complicate the issue. In Port Loko, married women in the same age group experienced the highest rates (81%) of physical, sexual, or emotional violence, whereas in #Kenema, the rates are significantly lower at 35%.

Legal measures exist, but their enforcement is woefully inadequate

While laws such as the Domestic Violence Act of 2007 exist, their enforcement is insufficient. The legal system, fraught with delays and societal stigma, often leads to underreporting and secondary victimization of survivors. The tragic case of Sia Fatu Kamara must catalyze a reevaluation and reinforcement of legal mechanisms to protect victims and prosecute offenders more effectively.

A call for profound cultural and systemic change

The tragedy calls for a profound cultural shift. Domestic violence should never be dismissed as a private matter or justified under any circumstances. We must challenge and change the toxic norms and attitudes that perpetuate silence and suffering among women. Education and community engagement are essential in transforming how we perceive and address domestic violence. Schools, churches, local leaders, and media must unite in this extensive reeducation effort.

Interconnected responses and comprehensive strategies are necessary

Addressing violence requires understanding the interconnections among various forms and tackling these issues holistically rather than fragmentedly. Several justice chains, including formal systems, customary systems, and alternative dispute resolution channels, should be utilized and strengthened.

In response to the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Sierra Leone, as tragically highlighted by the case of Sia Fatu Kamara, it is imperative that targeted and effective actions are taken. The effectiveness of laws against domestic violence is largely contingent upon the ability of judicial and law enforcement systems to enforce them. It is crucial to lobby for enhanced technical and logistical support for these authorities. This includes the provision of adequate training for police officers in handling domestic violence cases sensitively and effectively, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to investigate and prosecute such cases thoroughly. Additionally, the judiciary requires support in terms of capacity building to handle cases expediently, reducing delays that can further victimize survivors.

A critical aspect of addressing domestic violence is the provision of comprehensive psychosocial support services to survivors including reviewing the availability and adequacy of such services but also popularizing them to ensure they are accessible to all who need them, including in rural and underserved areas. Services should include counseling, mental health support, and rehabilitation programs that facilitate the recovery and reintegration of survivors into society.

Safe homes are vital for survivors of gender-based violence #GBVS, providing them a sanctuary to escape abuse and receive necessary care. Health practitioners should be trained to recognize signs of domestic violence and respond appropriately. Each of these recommendations requires commitment from multiple sectors of society, including government, NGOs, and the community at large.

In memory of Sia, let us galvanize a movement to eradicate domestic violence

Let us not merely mourn Sia but honor her memory by catalyzing a movement to eradicate domestic violence once and for all. Her death must not be in vain but should mark a turning point for our nation to stand up and decisively declare that enough is enough.

Sia Fatu Kamara’s untimely death should profoundly disturb us all, not just as a singular tragedy but as a reflection of a prevalent, ongoing issue that demands immediate and unwavering action. No woman has to endure what Sia allegedly went through. Let us all join hands to ensure every woman and girl can live free from fear within their own home. We owe it to Sia, and to every citizen of this country, to fight for a future free from violence. #SGBV @FirstLadyBio @UNWOMEN_SL @IsataMahoi @mogca_S_L @UNFPA @UNDPSierraLeone @MinisterManty @dsengeh @Cee_Bah @L_A_W_Y_E_R_S_ @Purposeful_org @RainboInitiativ

[UNFPA in Sierra Leone @UNFPASierraleon]

In Sierra Leone, over 60% of women aged 15-49 have endured physical or sexual violence, and 50% of married women have faced abuse from a partner. 😔💔

It’s time to take a stand. We need to protect every woman and girl and SAY NO to all forms of violence and abuse. 🛑✋🏾

#EndGBV

[Rodney Michael @superrod001]

I am no scientist and have no clue what climate change is all about.But what has impressed me is the girl from Kabala, so bold and so smart, her presentation is impressive.
Girls like this could be funded to becoming something of a role model for all girls in Sierra Leone.

[Basita Michael @MichaelBasita]

Every international women’s day my mind goes back to the market women of “Salad Gron” around whom I grew up and from whom I drew inspiration.

Understanding how they and other women struggle for their families under near impossible circumstances,perfecting the art of not minding their hardships but in fact thriving on it,yet with smiles on their faces and the willingness to help others in need, is a laboratory for lessons in solidarity sacrifice caring and defying all odds that our leaders can draw upon.

Like most Sierra Leoneans I want to celebrate them today and let them know we are grateful to them for impacting so many lives,feeding sheltering and educating most of our fellow citizens.

Let us also remember that in 2022 they were the ones who peacefully protested against the rising cost of living but some were beaten arrested and later on released by the police.

When His Excellency President Bio speaks of us being a resilient nation I’m sure he must have these women at the back of his mind.They represent the extraordinary resilience of our society.
Happy International Women’s Day.#InternationalWomensDay
#marketwomenassociat

[Dr. Fatu Forna @DrFatuForna]

I was born in #SierraLeone 🇸🇱 at a time where >98% of girls were circumcised. I was protected from FGM by my father 💕. As a father, brother, uncle, community member, how will you protect the girls in your life and the girls in your community from FGM? #EndFGM

[AGirlAtATime (SL) @agirlatatime]

Hey #SaloneTwitter 📣
Fambul una Kushe ohh

We are conducting an online survey and we would like to hear from you all.

Do you live, work or from Sierra Leone? ✅✅

Let us hear your views and opinions. 📋📋

To participate you will find details here 👉🏽 https://t.co/NwbXyZqfIj

[The African Dream @africandreamsl]

Sierra Leone’s Maryam Seray Bah is currently representing Sierra Leone in the Female Quranic Competition in Dubai.

All the best, Mariama. 🫶🇸🇱

#Islam #SaloneTwitter #SaloneX #SierraLeone

[SaloneWomen @SaloneWomen]

Congratulations #Salonewomen #WomeninPolitics #WomenInSTEM

[Salima Monorma Bah @SalimaMBah]

Humbled and honored to answer the National Call to Service of H.E. President Rtd Brig @PresidentBio. I am grateful for the challenge and opportunity to contribute to the government’s national development agenda.

[Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE @yakisawyerr]

Pleased to share the spreadsheet below with links to uploaded copies of 1,289 #RRFs from 226 (80%) of polling centers. The results data from these RRFs show 191,634 (66.1%) votes for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and 95,025 (32.78%) votes for Mohamed Gento Kamara. https://t.co/kSgESDdQlT

[Shwen Shwen by Maria @ShwenShwenbyM]

Today is an incredible day, as I celebrate the publication of my debut cookbook, Sweet Salone!

I am filled with a mix of joy, gratitude, and anticipation as this labour of love makes its way into the world.

[SaloneWomen @SaloneWomen]

@tonkolili 🤣🤣🤣

[The African Dream @africandreamsl]

Meet Desmonda Aminata Cole, a 23yr old S/Leonean camera operator whose dream is to work for @Ladyfatimabio. “I have over the years admired the First Lady. Her love and commitment to supporting her husband’s political journey is incredible. I would like to document her journey.”

[The African Dream @africandreamsl]

🌟 Inspiring Story! 🌟

🧠MEET THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN SIERRA LEONE AND THE WHOLE OF WEST AFRICA💥

Let's celebrate the incredible journey of Sia Mahawa Habiama Tommy, a true symbol of hope and determination. 🙌✨

THREAD

[Salone Messenger @Salonemessenger]

Sierra Leone’s Sia Mahawa Habiama Tommy has become the youngest Member of Parliament ever in Sierra Leone at age 27 and among the youngest in West Africa, representing the hopes and aspirations of a new generation.

#nottooyoungtolead
#sierraleone
#salonemessenger

[Andrew Lavali @andrewlavali]

List of Sierra Leone's Women MP Elect by district. The largest Women's caucus in the history of Sierra Leone Parliament. Pray that they focus on the real issues affecting women and not party agendas. @MinisterManty @GovernanceFor

[Ernest Bai Koroma @ebklegacy]

I've followed the electoral process and the campaign with keen interest. I note the brewing tension and threats to Sierra Leone's hard-earned democracy, peace and security. I have therefore made this attached statement, urging reason over emotions.

[Vickie Remoe @VickieRemoe]

#FreetownDecides: 2023 Mayoral Debate with Umaru Fofana https://t.co/ru6XyZDUxd

[Vickie Remoe @VickieRemoe]

Congrats to Dr. Amie Sankoh who graduated with a PhD from U. Tennessee Knoxville’s Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology on Saturday.

Amie is the First Deaf, Black Woman in U.S. with a #STEM PHD!👏🏾👏🏾

#makesierraleonefamous https://t.co/zZE2PXrxwU