Story of Survival, Hope, and Resilience

A Letter from Patricia Mary Keita

My name is Patricia Mary Keita, and I want to share my story—a story of survival, hope, and resilience during the Sierra Leone civil war.

During the conflict, I faced unimaginable fear. One day, while trying to escape rebel soldiers who threatened to harm me, I ran for my life. In my desperate flight, I stumbled and fell between two large stones. The pain was sharp, but I forced myself to get up and keep running.

Then, I heard the crack of a gunshot behind me. I fell again, breaking my hand badly. The pain was unbearable, and soon after, I slipped into a coma.

When I woke up, I found my father standing over me in the hospital. There was no proper medical care for my injury, so my father took me to a traditional healer in our village. But after two weeks, my hand worsened, and I feared losing it forever.

Thankfully, we were directed to a mission hospital in a town called Mabehseneh. There, I underwent an emergency operation that saved my hand—and my hope.

This experience changed me deeply. It taught me about the strength to survive and the power of hope, even in the darkest times. The war took so much from us, but it also showed me the courage found within family and community.

Today, I share my story to raise awareness about the struggles women face during conflict and to inspire others to hold on to hope and keep moving forward.

No matter the challenges, survival is about finding the courage to rebuild and create a better future.

Challenges to Peace for women in the past Sierra Leone civil war

The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002) was marked by severe challenges to peace, and women faced unique and profound difficulties during and after the conflict. Here are some key challenges to peace for women during that period:

Sexual Violence and Exploitation: Women were disproportionately targeted for sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriages by various armed groups, including the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). This widespread sexual violence had long-lasting physical, psychological, and social impacts.

Displacement and Loss of Livelihoods: Many women were displaced from their homes, losing access to land, resources, and economic opportunities. Displacement not only disrupted their lives but also increased their vulnerability to poverty and exploitation.

Marginalization in Peace Processes: Women were often excluded from formal peace negotiations and decision-making processes, limiting their influence on the terms of peace and reconstruction efforts. This exclusion hindered the incorporation of women’s specific needs and perspectives into peace building.

Social Stigma and Reintegration Challenges: Women who were victims of sexual violence or who had been associated with armed groups faced stigma and rejection within their communities, making reintegration difficult. This social ostracism impeded community healing and reconciliation.

Psychological Trauma: The psychological impact of the war on women was severe, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Limited access to psychological support services further complicated their recovery.

Limited Access to Education and Health Services: The conflict damaged infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, reducing women’s and girls’ access to education and healthcare, which are crucial for long-term peace and development.

Addressing these challenges was essential for sustainable peace in Sierra Leone, requiring targeted support for women’s rights, inclusion in peace processes, and comprehensive programs for healing and economic empowerment.

Women with Deference: Promoting Peace and Empowerment in Sierra Leone

Women with Deference are a newly established organization formed by myself and other dedicated women committed to preaching peace and fostering unity across Sierra Leone. Recognizing the profound impact that the countries past conflicts have had—especially the damage to schools, health facilities, and essential services—we are focused on addressing the limited access to education and healthcare for women and girls. These are critical pillars for achieving long-term peace and sustainable development.

Our mission is to empower women by advocating for their rights, ensuring their inclusion in peace building and electoral processes, and implementing comprehensive programs that promote healing and economic empowerment. As Sierra Leone approaches its upcoming elections, Women with Deference are dedicated to promoting peaceful participation, tolerance, and dialogue to prevent conflict and build stronger communities.

Through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local stakeholders, Women With Deference aims to inspire and mobilize others to embrace peace as a shared responsibility. We believe that empowering women and fostering social cohesion are essential to securing a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sierra Leoneans.

Peace Messages for Women with Deference

"Peace Begins with Us

Together, as women and community members, we can build a peaceful Sierra Leone. Let’s choose dialogue over division and unity over conflict.

"Your Vote, Your Voice for Peace"

Participate peacefully in the elections. Your vote is powerful—use it to support leaders committed to peace and development.

"Empowered Women, Stronger Communities"

When women are included and empowered, our communities thrive. Support women’s rights and peaceful participation in all processes.

"Let’s Heal, Unite, and Progress"

Sierra Leone’s future depends on healing past wounds and standing united. Let’s work together to create lasting peace.

"Peace Is Our Collective Responsibility"

Every Sierra Leonean has a role in building peace. Speak out against violence and encourage respect and understanding.

Simple Peace Campaign Plan for Women with Deference

Objective:

Promote peaceful participation and community unity during the upcoming elections in Sierra Leone.

Community Dialogues:

Organize groups discussions in local communities focusing on the importance of peaceful elections, women’s roles in peace building, and conflict resolution.

Peace Ambassadors Training:

Train selected women volunteers as “Peace Ambassadors” who will spread peace messages and mediate conflicts at the grassroots level.

Radio T. V. and Social Media Outreach:

Peace Pledge Campaign:

Encourage community members to take a peace pledge committing to non-violence and respectful participation in the electoral process.

Partnership Building:

Collaborate with local leaders, schools, religious institutions, and other NGOs to amplify the peace message and ensure broad community involvement.

Monitoring:

Track attendance at events, feedback from participants, and social media engagement to measure the campaign’s reach and impact.

As I reflect on my journey—from the darkest moments of war to the strength found in healing and hope—I am reminded that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and opportunity for all, especially women. The scars of the past are real, but they do not define our future.

Together, through courage, unity, and determination, we can overcome the challenges that threaten peace in Sierra Leone. Women have a vital role to play—as leaders, peace builders, and caretakers of our communities. By empowering women, fostering dialogue, and committing to peaceful participation, we create the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.

Let us stand united, embrace our shared responsibility, and work tirelessly to build a Sierra Leone where every woman and girl can live free from fear, with dignity, and full of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

With hope and conviction,

Mrs. Patricia Mary Keita

Women with Deference Founder, and Leader.