Legal Education Reaches 1,300 Women in Rural Sierra Leone

Knowledge is power — and for women in rural Sierra Leone, knowledge of their legal rights can be life-changing. LEWAF's Access to Justice & Legal Empowerment (ATJ-LE) program has delivered legal education to 1,300 women, equipping them with the tools to protect themselves and advocate for justice in their communities.

The program operates through Community Paralegal Services — trained community members who can explain legal rights in local languages, assist with documentation, and connect women with formal legal support when needed. LEWAF has trained 20 Community-Based Justice Advocates (CBJAs) who serve as these frontline legal educators.

What Legal Education Covers

The curriculum is designed for women with limited formal education. Topics include:

• Domestic violence laws and how to report abuse
• Women's property and inheritance rights
• Marriage, divorce, and custody rights
• Sexual and reproductive health rights
• How to access police, courts, and legal aid services

Beyond individual empowerment, the program has a community-level ripple effect. When women understand their rights, they advocate for others. Communities where LEWAF has operated show measurable improvements in reporting rates for domestic violence and in women's participation in community decision-making.