4 Female Inmates Release
…as Johansen Rescues 9
By Mohamed Konneh
In marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Fifa Council Member, Madam Isha Johansen, through her FASHION FOR CHANGE Event, including support from her colleagues, has supported the Female Correctional Center in Freetown and secured the release of four (4) female inmates in Freetown.
Madam Isha had to pay the fines of nine (9) inmates, 4 of which were released immediately from prison. The fines and legal fees amounted to over NLe40,000, raised from the Fashion For Change event, championed by leading household fashion icons, including Jenneh Amara Bangali of Swank Couture, De Pa Musa, Hannah Fullah and Frederica.
In addition, the sum of NLe 45,000 contributed by Isha Johansen, Gelshon Fernandes (FIFA Director for Africa) and Ama Williams (Head of Female Football, Ghana Football Association), will be used for clothing and uniforms for the inmates.
Some other funds will also be used for the completion of a Skills Training Center at the Female Correctional Center, at the Special Court building in Freetown. A project that was initiated and funded by Madam Johansen and Fifa Secretary General Madam Fatma Samoura.
Some two years ago, Madam Johansen was stunned after listening to the sad stories of female inmates in Freetown. She empathized with them and decided to use her institution and industry to change the lives of women in prisons. A move that was well received and appreciated by the inmates and personnel of the center.
Speaking during the presentation held at the Female Correctional Center on Wednesday 8th March 2023, the Acting Director of the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, Colonel Sahr David Ngauja expresses appreciation for the good gesture Madam Isha Johansen has been doing for the female inmates in the country.
He described the female football administrator as a “true Sierra Leonean who knows no bounds, as she is dedicated to supporting the development of her country, irrespective of region, tribe or politics.”
Colonel Ngauja said Madam Isha is a blessing to the Female Correctional Center, together with her partners.
Through a message read on her behalf, Madam Johansen gave the inmates words of hope and motivation, while wishing them a Happy International Women’s Day.
“Ever since I walked into the Women’s Correctional Centre almost two years ago, I had a strong instinctive feeling that my visit was not just chance visit. I felt a very strong sense of purpose.
No one chooses to be in a correctional centre and no one chooses to be away from their loved ones. However, life has a way of steering us in the right direction even if it means going through the wrong direction.
I feel humbled to be part of steering these women towards a better future and today will mark a momentous day in my life knowing that I together with my team were able to secure the release of some of these women. I pray that we will continue to not only ensure the release of many more worthy of a renewed beginning, but that the empowerment initiatives that Football For Reform and Fashion For Change has set out to accomplish will come into full fruition.
Finally I would like to thank the entire dtaff and officials at the Women’s Correctional Centre particularly Colonel Nguaja, Madam Susan, and the truly wonderful team of officers gor their support and encouragement. May God continue to guide us all.
Good luck to the four ladies who will today walk away from tbe past and start a new beginning in life. May the Almighty be your guide and your keeper.”
ISHA JOHANSEN – FIFA COUNCIL MEMBER
Meanwhile, the 45,000 plus donated by Madam Isha , Gelson Fernandes ( FIFA Director Of Africa Member Associations) and Madam AMA head of Women’s Football at the Ghana FA ) is a personal donation for uniforms and general upkeep.
Isha said ‘I am looking to work with lawyers who are prepared to give their professional time to help me give some of these female inmates a “ voice “ in order to secure their early release. Myself and Fatma Samoura are also looking at how we can expedite the completion of the women’s tailoring workshop to enable them In gainful skills which will empower them as they go back into society.
Madam Isha said she is also advocating within CAF and FIFA to ensure that they have the coaching courses by FIFA and CAF accessible to inmates.
