By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Caritas Freetown partnering with TROCAIRE stepped up efforts to support vulnerable groups affected by flooding in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. Under the project titled: “Strengthen Community Resilience and Women/Girls Protection through Integrated Preparedness and Violence Mitigation”, the humanitarian organization on Wednesday 31st December, 2024 distributed Safe and Dignity Kits to 200 individuals, including adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers and women with disabilities in various communities across the Western Area.
The dignity kits, designed to address basic hygiene and safety needs, include items such as bags, wrappers (lappa), sanitary pads, detergent, toothpaste, bathing soap, toothbrushes, combs, underwear, buckets, whistles and solar-powered rechargeable flashlights. These tools are aimed to help protect recipients from insecurity, particularly Gender-Based Violence (GBV), during vulnerable moments.
During the distribution event, Rev. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusivity and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable.
“Women and girls often face heightened challenges in disaster situations and young women, in particular, are at risk of exploitation. By providing these essential kits, we are reaffirming their dignity and emphasizing the value of every individual in society,” Rev. Peter Konteh stated.
He lauded the collaboration between Caritas, TROCAIRE, CRS and other partners, as well as the Government’s role in disaster management and citizen welfare. “Societies that abuse women inevitably suffer. Protecting women is not just a humanitarian priority; it is a societal responsibility.”
Madam Eliza Sillah, Project Coordinator elaborated on the broader goals of the initiative. She stressed the importance of empowering women and girls by instilling confidence and encouraging active participation in political and community decision-making processes.
“Confidence-building is critical. When women and girls are empowered to make informed decisions and embrace their identity they contribute significantly to community resilience,” she remarked.
She also highlighted the prevalence of violence and abuse against women, particularly during disasters, noting that initiatives like the dignity kit distribution address both physical and emotional needs. The inclusion of items such as whistles and solar-powered lights symbolizes not just safety but also empowerment, sending a clear message how women have the right to live free from fear, she furthered.
Gerald King, Regional Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), praised Caritas for its unwavering commitment to disaster relief. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in effectively managing disaster risks and pointed out recent NDMA efforts, such as fire prevention sensitization campaigns.
“Caritas has been a dependable partner always ready to respond promptly to community needs. Their support underscores the importance of education and preparedness in disaster management,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the need to focus on hygiene, particularly for adolescents and students, as part of community disaster response strategies. Gerald King expressed optimism about future collaborations between NDMA and Caritas, calling for sustained efforts to improve disaster management practices.
Representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Freetown City Council and the Western Rural District Council also commended Caritas Freetown’s role in disaster mitigation and protection for vulnerable groups. They acknowledged the importance of partnerships in addressing the unique challenges faced by women, girls and people with disabilities in disaster-prone areas.
“The Government cannot do this alone. Partners like Caritas are making a big difference by ensuring that vulnerable populations are not forgotten,” a representative noted.
The event underscored the importance of collective action in addressing disaster-induced vulnerabilities. Through its partnerships, Caritas Freetown continues to prioritize the dignity and safety of marginalized individuals, demonstrating that humanitarian efforts are most effective when rooted in collaboration and inclusivity.
With ongoing challenges from natural disasters, initiatives like this provide a glimmer of hope and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind.
