By: Abdul Razack Gbla
Following a strong show of commitment to gender justice and survivor-centered legal practice, the Lawyers’ Society in partnership with Freedom Hub held a highly impactful symposium on Friday, 2nd May 2025, at the Freetown City Council Conference Hall.
The event drew a substantial number of legal practitioners, advocates, and professionals from across the country, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and reflection on trauma-informed approaches to justice in Sierra Leone.
The highlight of the symposium was a keynote presentation by Alimatu Dimonekene, an internationally respected gender justice advocate and trauma-informed expert. She was introduced by Saramba Kandeh, who underscored the critical importance of transforming how the legal system engages with survivors of gender-based violence.
Kandeh called on the legal community to re-evaluate its methods and uphold a standard of practice rooted in empathy and respect.Dimonekene’s presentation, titled “Trauma-Informed Justice: Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone,” tackled key issues around trauma and the legal profession’s role in addressing it. She delivered an engaging and insightful lecture, using real-world case studies to shed light on the urgent need for trauma-informed responses within Sierra Leone’s justice system.
Her presentation encouraged legal professionals to create safe and welcoming environments for survivors, to use compassionate and non-judgmental language, and to handle cases with a deep awareness of cultural contexts and trauma responses.
She also emphasized the importance of respecting emotional boundaries, ensuring informed consent before proceeding with legal processes, and referring clients to medical, psychosocial, and support services where necessary.
Dimonekene’s message resonated deeply with the audience, especially as she narrated the stories of individuals like Mariama, a 23-year-old office assistant who faced sexual harassment in the workplace and was later punished for speaking out, and Kadiatu, a 14-year-old girl trafficked under false promises and subjected to forced labor.
These stories, drawn from Sierra Leonean realities, demonstrated the profound consequences of neglecting trauma-informed practices.In addition to exploring practical legal strategies, Dimonekene provided information on available support structures for survivors, including the RAINBO Initiative, One-Stop Centres across various districts, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs’ 116 Helpline, and Community Safe Homes.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Family Support Units of the Sierra Leone Police in providing legal aid and child protection services.The symposium concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to reflect on their own experiences and challenges in dealing with trauma cases. Legal professionals were encouraged to think critically about how they respond to clients who share difficult experiences and to consider what small but meaningful changes they can implement to ensure their services are survivor-centered and trauma-sensitive.Participants hailed the event as a resounding success, describing it as both timely and necessary.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the practical tools and insights shared, noting that the knowledge gained would significantly influence their work going forward.With Sierra Leone continuing to tackle the realities of gender-based violence, the symposium served as a timely reminder that justice is not only about legal outcomes, but also about how survivors are treated throughout the process.
With growing awareness and commitment, events like this mark a step forward in reshaping the justice system into one that truly serves and heals.
