HOPE Liberia Inc. Launches Alternative Livelihood Programs for Traditional Women
By :Lazota Bility
Monrovia: As the quest to end FGM in Liberia continues, Helping our people Excel ( HOPE ), a local organization, has launched a three (3) month alternative livelihood support program for Zoes and traditional women Liberia. The program, with funding support from the British Government, is meant to strengthen the capacity of traditional women who have been in practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a way of empowerment.
The project will focus on the prevention of FGM through the promotion of alternative economic empowerment for 100 former female traditional practitioners in three of the FGM practicing counties. They include Nimba, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado.
Giving overview of the Project, the Executive Director of HOPE Inc, Madam Alfreda Nmah stated that the program will also benefit young women and girls with leadership and life Skills including technical training abilities.
Speaking at the project inception ceremony British Embassy Representative Keth Thompson applauded Liberia’s traditional leader Chief Zanzan Karwor for his tireless efforts in ensuring the end FGM in some practicing counties and Liberia. The UK envoy underscored the need for collaborative effort to support skills and alternative livelihood for traditional leaders.
“It has been really incredible. Thanks for the level of work done in ending FGM in Liberia”.
Also speaking, the Head of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL) , Chief Zanzan Kawa and the Traditional Queen Ambassador Julee Endee used the medium to admonish partners to stick to their commitments in making sure there is a heritage center in all of the eleven FGM practicing Counties.
“Tradition is our way of Life but as life goes on change must take place , and if you are taking something that we have practice all through our lives you should stick to your Commitments and do the needful. We promise to stick to the oath in making sure FGM is completely ban in all of the Eleven FGM practicing counties,” they added.
Furthermore, UN Women Representative Dogba Mabande appreciated the British Embassy and other partners for their numerous support towards the fight in ending FGM in Liberia, stating, UN Women remains committed to the fight in ending FGM.
Helping Our People Excel (HOPE), Inc. is a non-for-profit entity; championing the cause of women and girls in Liberia; focusing on sexual reproductive health and rights, education for all and leadership development for women and girls. HOPE’s mission is to promote women and Girls’ social, economic and educational empowerment through personal development opportunities, building strong community partnerships, policy review and advocacy.
HOPE emphasizes ownership and empowerment by bringing the beneficiaries and key institutions together to discuss social issues. Our Vision is to ensure the social, educational and economic empowerment of women and children in Liberia.
