By Francis Kamara
FIFA Council member and former President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), madam Isha Johansen has on Wednesday 8th March 2023, joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day by facilitating the release of 9 inmates at the Sierra Leone Female Correctional Center (SLFCC).
The international women’s day is a day for people around the world to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of women.
The 9 Inmates; Agnes M. Kamara (Kabala prison), Fatmata Alusine (Bo), Hajaratu Kamara (Bo) and Fatu Dumbuya (Bo) are to be released immediately. Whereas Mabinty Kamara, Mariatu Kamara, Fatmata Kamara, Mariama Bah and Yeanoh Karbgo, all from Freetown, are to be released after the end of their sentences.
The total sum of NLE.45,420 was raised to sponsor the event and the presentation of the cash was done by Fashion for Change, Representative for Madam Isha Johansen and other FIFA officials.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of Madam Isha Johansen – Aminata Adalin Bangura, a gender advocate for fashion for change, acknowledged that she was thrilled and happy to be part of something that will create a change in the lives of women.
She went on to say that everyone deserves a second chance, as every human being is liable to make mistakes and so we deserve a second chance.
She asserted that in the words of Madam Isha Johansen – ever since she walked into the female correctional center almost 2 years ago, she had a strong instinctive feeling that it wasn’t an ordinary visit. “I felt a strong sense of purpose” she said. She added that no one chooses to be in a correctional center and no one chooses to be away from family. However, life has a way of steering us to the right direction even if it means going through the wrong direction.
She underscored that Madam Isha Johansen feels humbled to be part of steering these women towards a better future and this event has marked a momentous day in her life knowing that together with her team, they have been able to secure the release of these women.
She concluded that they will continue to not only ensure the release of many more bodies of new beginnings, but the empowerment initiative will be accomplished. She thanked the staff and officials at the female correctional center, especially Colonel Ngaujah, madam Susan and madam Aminata, as well as the team of officers for their support and encouragement.
Speaking at the event, the Fashion for Change representative Madam Jenneh Amara Bangalie, affirmed that they chose this day to help these inmates at the female correctional center because of its significance, and that they are happy to help 9 inmates pay off their debts and secure a release.
She added that these 9 inmates were sent to prison because they couldn’t afford to pay the debts they owed and it was very sad.
She underscored that money has also been donated by Madam Isha Johansen, Gilpin Fernandez, and Alhaji B. Williams from Ghana, which will be used in the continuation of the skills center and making uniforms for the inmates.
She concluded that it is an honor for designers to put together such a gathering – “as a woman, I was really touched and honored at the same time to have been asked to be part of this, and I will continue in my own personal way to help the female correctional center”, she said.
The Deputy Director General of the SLCS, David Ngaujah, thanked the team for such a wonderful humanitarian gesture. He went on to say that indeed we as humans make mistakes in life and it is very divine that we are to be given a second chance to right our wrongs and create an impact in society. He advised the newly released inmates to make good use of such a golden opportunity and pay it forward. He thanked madam Isha Johansen and her team, and urged them and others to continue with the good works of impacting and creating a change in the Sierra Leonean society.
The event climaxed with photo ops and pleasantries.
