Caritas Freetown joined the rest of the world in commemoration of International Women’s Day on the 8th and 9th March 2023. The support provided by Manos Unidas in partnership with Caritas Freetown is said to always ameliorate the sufferings of affected victims. The National Disaster Management Agency appreciates the goodwill donors, including Manos Unidas and Caritas Freetown, are giving in terms of their immeasurable support being accorded to affected people.
The devastating fires at Susan’s Bay, Amputee Camp at Aberdeen, and Wilberforce affected women and that left them more vulnerable and susceptible to poor personal hygiene. A joint needs assessments conducted by Caritas Freetown and the NDMA s identified the undignified challenges women and girls go through due to the lack of sanitary kits.
It was indeed fulfilling to provide these women and adolescent girls with needed dignified 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. In appreciating the support, the joy on the faces of the beneficiaries was immeasurable in their eyes and capturing their thank you voices speaks volumes.
Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager of CARITAS Freetown explained to the beneficiaries why they were schooled about women’s hygiene and menstrual crises during disasters.
He furthered that the donor of the support was Manos Unidas, which is a women and girls focused organization that cares for them and working in partnership with Caritas, that brought this gift to them during the International women’s Day emphasizing an agape of love in action.
“This day, we celebrate with you with love and recognize the efforts of women right around the world,” said Charles that aroused the benefactor women and girls in jubilations and resounding applause
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 expressed concerns as the rainy season is fast approaching.
Eliza Sillah, Programs Manager Justice and Peace Commission, explained to the beneficiaries about 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, husband, and brother and friends about their behaviour during the upcoming election.
Zainab Kamara one of the beneficiaries, expressed her profound gratitude on behalf of all the beneficiaries for the support and for celebrating the International Women’s day with a gift. She said one organization that always care about their needs during crises is Caritas. She thanked Caritas Freetown and Manos Unidas for their support. “I have been in shame as my clothes were all consumed by the fire and I was admitted at the hospital after the disaster, I just returned home when I met they were registering and now I have some clothing and all these other essential things which can rekindle a woman’s life in dignity,” she expressed joy.
During the distribution, the atmosphere was very friendly, as the women were all in a smiling mood thanking for the donation as it bolsters a happy International Women’s Day in celebration.
