By: Audrey Raymonda John
The SWAKAB Charitable Women’s Organisation, a women-led initiative dedicated to empowering widows, single parents, and underprivileged women, has made a passionate appeal to the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Jabbie Bio, for support in their efforts to foster self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Speaking at a gathering held at the SWAKAB Women’s College on Fana Street, east of Freetown, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Nurse Isata SWAKAB, underscored the urgent need for assistance to sustain their programs, which include soap-making, ‘gara tie-dyeing’, and nursing training.
“Women in our communities are struggling, but with this organisation, they can gain skills to fend for themselves without depending on men,” Nurse Isata stated. She highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering women through vocational training and urged the First Lady to lend her support in expanding their initiatives.
Beyond economic empowerment, she expressed concerns over the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly among young people in the community. She pledged to engage parents whose children have fallen victim to the Kush epidemic and other dangerous substances, as well as to initiate awareness campaigns targeting drug users.
In a show of solidarity, the Principal of SWAKAB College, Mr. Amadu, encouraged the women to remain committed to the organisation’s objectives. He pledged to provide voluntary assistance with administrative tasks, including project proposals and official documentation.
The Deputy Headman of Devil Hole, Mohamed Bor Bor Bah, also lauded the initiative, assuring the women of the community’s unwavering support. “We welcome such a transformative organisation in our midst and stand ready to assist whenever needed,” he affirmed.
Other key stakeholders, including the Secretary-General of SWAKAB, Abdul Akim Noah, along with the Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, and other executive members, reiterated their commitment to advancing the organisation’s mission.
The SWAKAB Charitable Women’s Organisation continues to push for greater opportunities for disadvantaged women, with hopes that the First Lady will heed their call and help propel their vision forward.