By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
“We talked about justice not in the courtroom or in government offices. We talked about justice on the runway.”
That was the powerful message from Alpha Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as he addressed Fashion for Change an elegant fundraiser organized by Isha Johansen to raise awareness about the plight of incarcerated women in Sierra Leone, particularly those imprisoned for petty offenses or the nonpayment of fines.
Serving as guest of honor, Sesay used the platform to draw an unexpected but compelling link between fashion and justice reform. The event featured clothing and handmade items produced by women in correctional facilities, transforming prison workshops into a public showcase of talent, resilience, and untold stories.
“This is why we are working to decriminalize petty offenses and enact legislation on community service and other alternatives to incarceration,” Sesay explained. He emphasized that existing laws often disproportionately affect poor and marginalized women, many of whom are detained for minor, non-violent infractions that could be addressed outside prison walls.
During a question-and-answer session, Sesay outlined ongoing efforts to reform the correctional system. These include addressing overcrowding and revising laws that separate women from their families over small fines. The proposed shift toward community service is central to Sierra Leone’s broader justice reform strategy—one that aims to make the system more rehabilitative rather than purely punitive.
He also commended Johansen’s leadership, noting: “Her commitment to giving a human face to our correctional service system is commendable and aligns with our justice sector reform strategy.”
Beyond fundraising, Fashion for Change is helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration. By selling items made by inmates, the initiative generates income, affirms skills, and challenges public perceptions of women in conflict with the law.
For Sesay, the runway became a different kind of courtroom one shaped by public opinion, where justice is defined not just by punishment, but by dignity, opportunity, and second chances. The move to decriminalize petty offenses signals that Sierra Leone’s reform agenda is stepping beyond policy rooms and into everyday spaces where its impact can be seen, felt, and understood.