Last night- October 29th, 2020, the Fair Justice Initiative, a non-governmental organization, held its first charity soiree where they premiered their documentary entitled “World Apart”. The aim of the event was to highlight Ghana’s imprisoned women and appreciate them as people with identities more complex than their incarcerated status. “World Apart” was both informative and emotional as it illustrated Ghana’s dismissal of mental health struggles and the way in which such neglect can lead to eventual imprisonment. In addition to priemiering the documentary, the Fair Justice Initiative raised money to put towards their various programmes that administer support to both imprisoned and formerly imprisoned women.
There were many notable guests in attendance,from Justice of the Supreme Court to members of the Diplomatic Corps. Director for Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa,who was the guest of honor, spoke on behalf of the organization and it’s greater cause. Perhaps, the night’s most heartwarming guests were two former Nsawam Prison detainees who not only attended the event,but shared their personal stories with attendees. They provided profound insight concerning the impact the Fair Justice Initiative has on the lives of incarcerated women.
It is evident that the organization has thoroughly committed to its mission to combat discrimination against current and former inmates m, ensure equal access to effect legal representation, and improve the conditions of confinement in Ghanaians prisons. The Fair Justice Initiative recognizes that lack of funds and legal knowledge is a significant barrier in the fight for justice and consistently provides pro bono legal services in an effort to dismantle that barrier. In fact, the organization has a hotline specifically for those in need of pro bono legal aids services [+233 (0) 59 454 2370]. Through mental health counseling,millinery skills courses, the sponsoring of inmates’ medical needs and the frequent delivery of care packages; the Fair Justice Initiative is not only determined to improve the quality of life for incarcerated people whilst in prison,but is also working diligently to ensure that their reintegration into society is successful.
As stated by Sarah Femi Adetola, Founder and Executive Directior of the Fair Justice Initiative, “I believe we are still only at the beginning of our journey to promote and facilitate meaningful impact throughout the nation. Hopefully, tonight serves as a significant step in that direction.” And that it was. The Fair Justice Initiative has accomplished quite a bit in its young life and last night was in exception.
FJI Contact Details:
• Number: +233 (0) 55 874 2889
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline Number:+ 233 (0) 59 454 2370