At Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background or ability, has access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. On March 13th, 2025, in continuation of our previous work on this mission over the years, we collaborated with Women with Disabilities Yearning for Equal Opportunities (WoDEYO) and other stakeholders to host a landmark engagement with representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Bo, Sierra Leone. This event underscored our dedication to ending discrimination and ensuring inclusive SRH care for all.
A Day of Engagement and Collaboration
The meeting, held at the DoHAS Hall in Bo, brought together approximately 40 representatives of PWDs from districts including Bo, Kenema, Moyamba, Makeni, Kabala, Western Area, Kailahun, and Port Loko. The event, witnessed by Kakua Express Newspaper and Africa Young Voices Television, marked a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to collaborate with PWDs and address their unique SRH needs.
In her opening statement, Mrs. Gloria Tucker, Senior Program Manager at Marie Stopes, expressed gratitude to the representatives for their unwavering support. She highlighted the success of our outreach delivery services for PWDs and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.
“One of the key objectives of this engagement is to gather feedback on our collaboration with outreach teams through 2024, discuss successes and challenges, and determine the way forward,” Mrs. Tucker explained. She also introduced Mr. Sam Juana, the new Head of Operations, who will serve as the primary point of contact between Marie Stopes and PWDs.
Mr. Juana, in his welcome statement, commended Mrs. Tucker for her leadership and reaffirmed Marie Stopes’ commitment to exploring new approaches and expectations for 2025. “We are focused on expanding support to adolescent PWDs and ensuring that our services reach even the most hard-to-reach areas,” he said.
A Lifeline for Marginalized Women
For years, women and adolescent girls living with disabilities in Sierra Leone have faced significant barriers to accessing SRH services. Societal discrimination, neglect from family members, and a lack of tailored healthcare solutions have left many vulnerable and underserved. Regina Foyoh from Kailahun district shared a heartbreaking account of a disabled woman who lost her life due to improper contraceptive use before Marie Stopes intervened in the area.
“Before Marie Stopes came to Kailahun, many disabled women and adolescent girls suffered due to a lack of proper reproductive health services. Their project has been a lifesaver,” Regina stated.
Jeneba Williams, a beneficiary from Moyamba District, echoed this sentiment, urging Marie Stopes to extend its services further into rural communities. “Disabled women in these areas face not only societal discrimination but also neglect from family members and partners. Marie Stopes’ work is crucial in changing this narrative,” she emphasized.
Voices of Gratitude and Hope
The event provided a platform for PWD representatives to share their experiences and express their gratitude for Marie Stopes’ interventions. Ms. Ramatu P. Kanu, Director of WoDEYO, highlighted the profound impact of Marie Stopes’ work.
“Before now, women living with disabilities were marginalized and discriminated against when it came to childbearing. Many men in our communities only valued us at night but abandoned us when we became pregnant. Through Marie Stopes’ intervention, disabled women now have the awareness and tools to make informed reproductive choices,” she said.
Mariama B. Jalloh, District Coordinator for Women Living with Disabilities in Kabala, and Jeneba Williams, District Chairperson for the Sierra Leone Union of Disability Women, shared similar sentiments. They praised Marie Stopes for its efforts to involve PWDs in outreach activities, ensuring that women in rural areas feel comfortable accessing family planning services.
Jennifer P. Mansaray, Vice President of the Little People of Sierra Leone, called for expanded services, including infection treatment for disabled women. Her plea reflects the growing demand for comprehensive SRH care tailored to the needs of PWDs.
A Commitment to Inclusion and Equality
The program concluded with a resounding commitment from attendees to target more women and adolescent girls at the community level. At Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, we are proud of the progress we have made in breaking down barriers and ending discrimination against PWDs in accessing SRH services.
Our work is far from over. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that all women, including those living with disabilities, have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make informed reproductive choices. Together, we can build a future where no woman is left behind.