By: Usman Fambuleh
The Legal Access through Women Yearning for Rights and Social Justice (L.A.W.Y.E.R.S), in collaboration with the Smile for Women and Children Charity Organization, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, provided financial support to 20 women as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods and promote economic independence.
The presentation ceremony was held at the L.A.W.Y.E.R.S head office on 11 Percival Street, Freetown, and brought together beneficiaries and representatives of both organizations.
Speaking at the event, the President of L.A.W.Y.E.R.S, Ms. Menisa Sesay, said the initiative reflects the organization’s continued commitment to protecting and empowering women and girls across Sierra Leone. She noted that over the years, L.A.W.Y.E.R.S has provided free legal representation, legal advice, counselling, and mediation services to women facing domestic violence, gender-based violence, and family-related disputes.
She added that the organization has also worked closely with stakeholders to advocate for laws and policies that strengthen the protection of women and girls. According to her, many women remain trapped in abusive relationships because they lack financial independence.
“The major challenge many women face in cases of domestic violence and related issues is financial instability,” she said.
Ms. Sesay explained that this challenge inspired the partnership with the Smile for Women and Children Charity Organization to provide livelihood support to 20 women who have benefited from L.A.W.Y.E.R.S’ legal services. She clarified that the financial assistance is a grant—not a loan—and is intended to help the beneficiaries rebuild their lives and become financially self-reliant.
Also speaking, Ms. Linda Jaward of the Smile for Women and Children Charity Organization said her organization is committed to supporting vulnerable women and children across Sierra Leone. She stressed that empowering women economically is essential to improving the well-being of families and communities.
“Women are valuable members of society, whether educated or not,” she said.
Ms. Jaward stated that the financial assistance would enable the beneficiaries to either start small businesses or expand existing ones to improve their household incomes. She further announced that within the next six months, the women will receive free vocational training in skills such as gara tie-dyeing and other income-generating trades to further strengthen their economic opportunities.
Paralegal at L.A.W.Y.E.R.S, Ms. Mariama Elizabeth Hickson, explained that the 20 women were carefully selected from among the organization’s clients based on their level of vulnerability and need for livelihood support. She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants, emphasising that the initiative was designed to help them rebuild their lives and achieve financial stability.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one recipient thanked L.A.W.Y.E.R.S for the legal representation, counselling, and mediation services the organization had previously provided to help resolve her family disputes. She described the financial support as timely and meaningful, saying it would enable her to expand her business and better provide for her family.
“I am going to use this money to grow my business,” she said.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by another beneficiary, who commended both organizations for their generosity and continued commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable women in Sierra Leone.
