By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, March 03, (232News) – In their quest to reach out to the less privileged, Ladies With Vision (LWV) has supported persons with disability with Loans and Savings scheme.
Ladies With Vision is a non-profit organization geared towards empowering and advocating for young women and girls in Sierra Leone.
The colorful ceremony which took place at Morabie Community Waterloo over the weekend brought joy to young ladies within Waterloo community.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson for the Madam Safina Hashim Project Manager LWV spoke about the need to empower women.
She pointed out that Ladies With Vision does not discriminate which was why they reached out to the physically challenged with this offer.
Founder and President LWV, Madam Madiana Mensah-Gborie disclosed that Ladies With Vision has embarked on many projects during the past years and this projects which came through FRIDA Support Grant aimed at empowering young women and girls.
She went on to say the project focuses on empowering disabled women to participate in public life specifically targeting disabled women in the Western Rural District.
She added that the cash was given to boost their individual socio-economic activities and ensure it helps change their lives.
“The problem of women living with disabilities in Sierra Leone is alarming as most of them are not being treated fairly. Ladies With Vision aims at providing the necessary awareness and financial aid on how they should capacitate themselves, their families and community in entirety”.
Madam Mensah-Gborie disclosed further that her organization also aims at increasing and strengthening the social interaction between families and the communities they stay.
“In return, we want to see them empowered, owning and controlling businesses on their own and feeling fulfilled.”
She encouraged the ladies not to feel neglected as LWV is part of them as their sisters they can lean on for advice and good talk.
She also called on them to put more effort by redouble the cash given to them to do their businesses.
“If we are here to help you, please work as team; no confusion. Avoid confusion and focus on your life and that of your family. This is a life changing situation for you to stand firm for yourself.”
Alice Koroma Chairlady Disable Women and Children Development Organization, Morabie said pointed out that they are disabled but they are able as that is not the end of them.
She called on her members to embrace the new family they have established and for them to also use the money for its intended purpose and not to spend it on men and dresses.
Sullaman Sesay, Chairman Amputee Association extended appreciation to LWV.
He said fifty Leones can take someone to one hundred Leones if that person is committed to what he/she is doing.
“All things about life is determination. Even government have no trust in us as disables but it time for us to change our attitude and work as one for us to help others.”
He said if they do their businesses right, their entire families will change.
Secretary General LWV Kadiatu Bangura explained the process of the project and the agreement between LWV and the beneficiaries.
Four groups were setup eight members in one group totaling 36 including the Charlady and Chairman of the association.
She explained that after the disbursement, the organization will only be responsible to conduct monitoring and evaluation in ensuring the money is utilized for the intended purpose and sustainability achieved.
“The cash is meant for Loans and the profit would be kept in drop boxes for possible expansion of the project.”
Beneficiaries expressed thanks and appreciation to LWV for their timely support.
Elizabeth Kargbo explained that she was doing small business before but the help she now received from LWV will increase her business which will eventually give her more profits.
Helen Esther Koroma another beneficiary said the loan meant a lot to her as she will increase her business and change the narrative of being physically challenged.
LWV mainly work within the Western Rural District of Sierra Leone and the project which will last for one year targeting women living with all kinds of disability ranging from ages 15-35 and must leave in the Western Rural Area.
