Economic Empowerment is a MUST during this pandemic

Women with disabilities suffer a double Vulnerability as a whole and worst still in our African society were there is still a lot of Myth surrounding disability. They like all other women have to cater for their homes in most cases, The corona pandemic has come to increase the burden, GBV is on the rise partly  because the men are loosing their jobs and expecting the women to completely shoulder responsibilities of feeding the house including them. Most homes relie on women to supply kits for preventing covid 19 such as santisers, hand washing buckets,  mask and soap. That really surprises me. How will these women with disabilities carry all this burdens,  heart breaking isn't it. 

The North West Association of women with disabilities a network brainstormed on this and thought we find a solution to this. Therefore we organised an economic empowerment training for some women with disabilities in three areas in Bamenda.  Bamenda 1,2,3 .  The training package included :

Covid 19  with emphasis on prevention , group dynamics, Gender based violence and basic book keeping and then a training on income generating activities ( groundnut Candy production,  soap making and production of body lotions.)  It's so amazing to know that the training on groundnut candy production was done by a man. He shared his experience and strategies  on marketing this all this years . We were really glad this was coming from a man. 

My role in this was that I was in charge of organising the training. I also presented on covid19 including demonstration on hand washing and proper hand sanitising. I was also a sign language interpreter as women with hearing impairment were part of the training.  

At the end of it all some humanitarian support was given in the form of food items (rice,  Maggie cube,  soap, ground oil) 

We are hoping and looking forward to be able to reinforced them financially by creating a revolving fund within  the groups so these women could actually practice all what they have learnt. We were able to do so only with Bamenda 1. At least if they engage in this economic activity  they will be able to provide basic needs for the prevention of covid 19 for their households in addition to reducing GBV due to lack of economic empowerment. I was particularly moved that girls with hearing impairment were actively involved.

My sincere thanks to the My World pulse family who through their stories and experiences I have been reading have opened my mind mire on the need to take calculative steps towards generation equality.  I am committed to fight to change the situation of women  as a while and more particularly women with disabilities. I am even more motivated by the mentorship I get from my World pulse family.  I end by pleading that I am open to learning and also open to opportunities that will help me build my capacity on humanitarian work.  I love you all.