By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Employers Federation has, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Mayenkineh Community in Calaba town informed that in collaboration with various implementing partners, support from the International Labour Office and with funding by the UNCDF and UN Peacebuilding Fund a project known as the ‘Women for Water and Peace Project’ will be implemented five communities: Mayenkineh, Rokupa, Dwarzack, Crab Town-Aberdeen, and Lumley Community geared towards the construction of water wells for the provision of purified water with the aim of addressing water scarcity and its associated challenges, particularly those that affect women and girls.
In an awareness raising campaign on gender-based violence, promote decent work, enhance grievance handling through social dialogue and to build the capacity of women in the water kiosk business, Albert Ojo Collier, the Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, emphasized the Project’s focus on women and girls.
He further highlighted their significant involvement in water-related activities and noted that water scarcity exposes women and girls to various risks, including physical violence and sexual exploitation during late-night water fetching.
The Executive Secretary expressed confidence that the Project would mitigate such challenges also underscoring the community’s responsibility to maintain the facilities for their sustained impact.
“The project is a crucial step in ensuring that women and girls no longer suffer in their pursuit of water. By putting the women’s groups in charge of the wells, we will not only address water-related issues but also empower the community economically,” Collier expressed optimism.
Memish Doherty, representing the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, delivered a presentation on sexual gender-based violence, stating that it poses a significant threat to the education of young girls. Doherty expressed hope that the construction of wells would contribute to reducing such incidents and urged girls to be cautious, especially during nighttime activities.
Desrica Taylor, a member of the proposed Water Kiosk Management in the Mayenkineh Community, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the project’s importance in alleviating the burden of water-fetching on women. She urged community residents to take ownership of the wells and ensure their proper maintenance, underscoring the need for transparency in handling funds generated through water sales for broader community development.
Fatmata Kamara, a student in the Mayenkineh community, expressed her gratitude for the proposed wells, anticipating a positive impact on their daily lives. She highlighted the challenges students face when fetching water, causing delay in attending school. She thanked the project stakeholders and urged swift commencement and completion of the wells to alleviate their struggles.
The ‘Women for Water and Peace Project’ stands as a testament to the commitment of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, the International Labour Office, and other partners in addressing pressing issues faced by women and girls in accessing water resources. As the Project progresses, it is anticipated to create lasting change and contribute to the overall development of the communities involved.
