By Politico staff writer
In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, Caritas Freetown in partnership with Manos Unidas supported women in three communities who have suffered several losses as a result of a fire disaster with dignity kits.
The National Disaster Management Agency applauded the gestures of Manos Unidas and Caritas Freetown on the 8 and 9th of March 2023.
The fire incidents at Susan’s Bay, Amputee Camp at Aberdeen, and Wilberforce communities according to officials of Caritas Freetown affected women leaving them more vulnerable and susceptible to poor personal hygiene.
Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager Caritas Freetown said a joint needs assessment conducted by Caritas Freetown and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) identified the undignified challenges meted by women and girls due to the lack of sanitary kits.
“It is indeed fulfilling to provide these women and adolescent girls with the needed dignifying kits which comprise of assorted clothing, sanitary pads, laundry soap, bathing soap, lappers, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, underwear, and torchlight that will bolster their self-esteem as the world was celebrating woman and girls,” he said.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Charles explained the need for personal hygiene and why their partners, a woman-led organization thought of supporting them in that regard, describing their support as an agape love in action.
“This day, we celebrate with you with love and recognise the efforts of women’s rights around the world,” he said.
Councillor Madina expressed her gratitude towards Caritas and Manos Unidas for the endless support they have been giving them at every time of need and she expresses concerns over the welfare of the victims as the rainy season approaches.
Eliza Sillah, Programs Manager Justice and Peace Commission, explained to the beneficiaries about the dangers of violence and how they want the women to be safe in the forthcoming Elections, she further admonished the women on how to advise their male counterparts; husbands, and brother, and friends about their behaviour during the upcoming election.
Zainab Kamara one of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude on behalf of all the beneficiaries for the support and for celebrating International Women’s day with a gift. She said one organization that always cares about their needs during crises is Caritas.
“ I have been in shame as my clothes were all consumed by the fire and I was admitted to the hospital after the disaster, I just returned home when I met the registration ongoing and now I have some clothing and all these other essential things which can rekindle a woman’s life in dignity”, she lamented.
The receiving women were full of joy and hope as they come forward for their parcels.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (13/03/23)
