By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 29th October 2025- In a vibrant display of activism and art, Purposeful, a feminist organization championing girls’ rights, teamed up with the University of Sierra Leone Theatre Group to stage a compelling street performance aimed at raising awareness about the Safe Motherhood Bill. The play was held at the Gigibonta car park in Freetown, drawing curious onlookers and sparking conversations around reproductive health and justice.
The initiative forms part of Purposeful’s broader campaign to demystify the Safe Motherhood Bill and challenge misconceptions surrounding its intent. Through drama, music, and storytelling, the performance unpacked the bill’s key provisions, which include reducing maternal mortality, regulating access to safe abortion, and promoting reproductive rights for women and girls.
Josephine Kamara, Director of Advocacy at Purposeful, emphasized the power of art in driving social change. “We’ve been using the arts to amplify messages around women’s rights, safety, reproductive health, and justice,” she said. “This time, we’re exploring theatre and entertainment to help people understand the bill in a relatable way.”
Kamara clarified that the bill is not about unrestricted access to abortion, but about protecting women in critical circumstances, such as pregnancies resulting from incest or rape and ensuring they can make informed decisions when their health, safety, or dignity is at risk.
The play dramatized real-life scenarios faced by women across Sierra Leone, highlighting the urgent need for legal protections and accessible healthcare. As the actors took the stage, passersby gathered to watch, many visibly moved by the performance’s emotional depth and clarity.
“This is not just theatre,” Kamara added. “It’s a call to action to understand, to empathize, and to support legislation that safeguards women’s lives.”
The performance is one of several planned across the country as Purposeful continues to use street theatre to engage communities, spark dialogue, and build support for the Safe Motherhood Bill.
