Freetown | 28th April 2024 | Vertex Media

Known for her humanitarian zest and dedication to drive change in women and girls, especially inmates, FIFA Council Member and CAF Executive Committee Member Madam Isha Johansen has again visited the Women’s Correctional Centre in Freetown on Saturday April 27th, marking Sierra Leone’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, where she reiterates her commitment to empower these inmates while in detention.

Her visit to the Women’s Correctional Centre yesterday historic, as it marks the 3rd anniversary she and former FIFA General Secretary Madam Fatma Samoura’s visit to the centre 3 years ago on Sierra Leone’s Independence Day.

Through her Football For Reform and Fashion For Change initiatives, Madam Johansen has supported these inmates with skills programme, legal representation, paid fines, and secured the release of several inmates. Most importantly, she’s using football and fashion as tools for change for these inmates.

Over a year ago, Fifa Council Member Madam Isha Johansen and former FIFA General Secretary Madam Fatma Samoura constructed a skills training centre with support from FIFA and CAF. The centre is equipped with industrial sewing machines and other materials for handwork. In November 2023, CAF introduced a CAF D Licence Coaching Course for these female inmates, but it was unfortunately halted due to security concerns in the country.

On her visit on Saturday, Madam Johansen announced to the inmates that CAF will resume the CAF D Licence Coaching Course in May 2024. She also informed them that Fashion For Change has been invited to the forthcoming London Fashion Week where their (inmates) products will be showcased.

The global football administrator admonished the inmates to carve a brighter future themselves so as not to indulge in the activities that brought them to prison. She emphasised that her initiatives will help to rehabilitate and empower them to be self-reliant in the future. Her message to the inmates was also re-echoed by Madam Jenneh Amara Bangali, Coordinator of the Fashion For Change, designer and founder of Swank Couture.

The Commanding Officer of the Women’s Correctional Service Madan Augusta Sawyer-Williams commended the work of Madam Isha Johansen and her team of designers for complementing their work, adding that their institution will continue to collaborate with her.

After a fruitful engagement, Madam Johansen served the inmates with delicious meals and had lunch together, which climaxed her visit to the centre.

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