Caritas Freetown provides dignity kits to 733 women and girls affected by fire disaster in three communities
On the 8 and 9 of March 2023, Caritas Freetown joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day. The support provided by Manos Unidas in partnership with Caritas Freetown ameliorates the sufferings of the affected victims. The National Disaster Management Agency appreciates the goodwill donors including Manos Unidas and Caritas Freetown for 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 NDMAs identified the undignified challenges meted by women and girls due to the lack of sanitary kits.
It is indeed fulfilling to provide these women and adolescent girls with needed dignifying 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 explained to beneficiaries why they were schooled about women’s hygiene and menstrual crises during disasters.
He said Manos Unidas is a women and girls focused organisation that cares and working in partnership with Caritas, that brought this gift during the International women’s day.
He s emphasised that the agape love in action.
‘This day, we celebrate with you with small love and recognise the efforts of women right around the world. We want you all to feel belong and loved, he said.’
Councillor Madina in her statement expresses gratitude towards Caritas and Manos Unidas for the endless support they have been giving them at every time of need while expressing 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 and admonished them 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 cares about their needs during crises is Caritas.
‘I have been in shame as my clothes were all consumed by the fire and I was admitted in the hospital after the disaster, I just returned home when I met the registration and now I have some clothing and all these other essential things which can rekindle a woman’s life in dignity”, she explained.
During the distribution, the atmosphere was very friendly, as the women were all in a smiling mood thanking the donors for the donation as it bolsters a happy international women’s day in celebration.
