Economic Empowerment
Source: Statehouse.gov
President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has on Thursday 22 August held discussions with the Executive President of the Women for Africa Foundation, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Spain, Dr. Maria Teresa Fernandez De La Vega, on women's empowerment issues.
Dr. Vega is in the country to launch the "Women on the Wheels" initiative for more empowerment for Sierra Leonean women.
President Koroma observed that the visit is taking place at a time when government is demonstrating high level of commitment towards women's empowerment, noting that women are now occupying key positions in all sectors of governance and disclosed plans by government to provide adequate educational support for women.
The Head of State said "I see it as a project that will enhance confidence so that more women will be capacitated through such trainings", and reassured the delegation of government's continued support.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs Mr. Moijueh Kaiakai said the project is consistent with the Agenda for Prosperity and the vision of President Koroma, disclosing that the necessary documents have been put together for the registration of the organization.
Dr. Vega said the women's empowerment project is geared towards providing job access for women in the workplaces and will boost economic status of women as it will be run and managed by women.
She disclosed that she has already visited women's skills training and learning centres in the country and was warmly received by public officers and staff.
"I have met Sierra Leonean women who are learning how to fix car engines" she said, and requested for a piece of land for the construction of a training centre where more women can be trained in skilled jobs for the full implementation of the project.
She further informed President Koroma that the entire project is set to raise awareness among the womenfolk and empower them to be more self-reliance, describing the venture as economically viable and sustainable, and will improve on the living standards of women.
By way of closing remarks, Madam Naasu Fofanah, Presidential Advisor on Gender profusely thanked Dr. Vega for choosing Sierra Leone for such a project and for supporting the implementation of the vision of President Koroma as encapsulated in the Agenda for Prosperity.
She also thanked the President on behalf of the beneficiaries of the project for graciously approving the request to have an audience with the President of Women for Africa Foundation.