Liberian President opens YAI’s Center for Women
The President of Liberia Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched YAI’s Center for Women’s Empowerment in Monrovia. The program which was held on November 17th brought together heads of international organizations, government officials and a host of other guests. Youth Action International proposes to tackle the problems facing the women in Liberia using a multi-prolonged approach through the creation of a Center for Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia. The Center for Women’s Empowerment will use basic education, alternative counseling, vocational training, and micro-credit loans to alleviate the negative impact the civil war has had on women in Liberia. The center promotes the vital role women can play in sustainable development. It is an integral part of a long-term local capacity-building program for young women.
The keynote speaker for the event, twenty-four year-old Remma Bull commended Youth Action International for its efforts to prioritize women by opening the new Center for Women. She said more organizations needed to emulate the organizations gesture. She noted that “Youth Action International has set itself apart from other organizations by standing at the fore front of efforts to strengthen the capacity of young women.” The target beneficiaries of this project include women and girls below thirty five years old who live in the poorest communities in Monrovia. Youth Action International will partner with a number of governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure the full implementation of this program.
Specifically, beneficiaries of the Center for Women Empowerment will realize their full potential through education and vocational training by business professionals as well as counseling and rehabilitation services to help heal post-traumatic stress and other war-related disorders. Participants will take part in business workshops to develop business skills and will work alongside skilled facilitators to ensure that they reach their business goals.At the end of each year, 150 women will graduate the Center for Women Empowerment fully trained in the chosen skill area and will have also completed a series of advance counseling programs that will enable them to begin healing from the trauma of war. Graduates of the Center for Women Empowerment will be awarded a micro-credit loan and will be assigned to an exit advisor who will work with the women as they establish small businesses.
Funded by: All4Africa, Humanity Unites Brilliance, EcoSandals.