Making Waves in Sierra Leone: Bisi

For International Women’s Day 2016, the presenter and producer of Leh Wi Know shares how she’s using radio to help empower women to understand their rights in Sierra Leone.

In Sierra Leone we need women like me to stand up tall and talk about women’s issues. I’m a producer and presenter on a radio show called Leh Wi Know, a programme that promotes access to justice and security for women and girls in Sierra Leone. I try and empower women in the work that I do.

Here in Sierra Leone we have so many laws that could protect women and girls – but they often don’t know about them. Leh Wi Know is about encouraging women and girls to be aware of the country’s laws and understanding how these laws can protect and benefit them.

I remember once, recording Leh Wi Know in a village in northern Sierra Leone, we met a 73 year old woman who was just 10 years old when her father chose a man who would marry her, against her wishes. The day we met her was the first time she had told her story to anyone.

She said: “Because my dad gave my hand in marriage I couldn’t be who I wanted to be.” By telling her story on Leh Wi Know she sent a message to girls, to parents, to say “please encourage your girl child to go to school - she might be the next president, she might be the next minister.”

I feel fulfilled when I see the impact Leh Wi Know is having, and the way it has helped women and girls in different areas. When they say “I heard your programme”, it shows that I’m indeed talking on their behalf and bringing a public voice to their issues.

Read more inspiring stories of how women are using media to make waves.

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