By: R. Joycelyn Wea
MONROVIA-United Nations Women have handed over some empowerment tools to the Army Wives Association to enable them to achieve their goals.
A desktop set, printer, sewing machines, and baking pans, were donated to the association as the UN Women’s way of helping to enhance what is already obtained here at the center for women’s empowerment.
On April 13, 2022, United Nations Women honored an invitation from the First Lady of Liberia, Madam Clar Marie Weah for the official dedication and turning over ceremony of a vocational training center for the Army Wives Association.
During the dedication of the vocational training center, UN Women promised to make an initial contribution to the Army Wives Association to support the operationalization of the center; one month down the line, we have come back to make good on our pledge of support.
At the handover ceremony at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks, Pamela Mkwanba, Deputy Country Representative to Liberia sees the donation as the beginning of the partnership between UN Women and the Association.
Madam Mkwanba looks forward to working with you in the not-too-distant future and pledged UN Women’s continuous commitment to work with all stakeholders in the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of young women in Liberia.
The Army Wives Vocational Training Center was established in 2019 as a self-help initiative to empower spouses and dependents of personnel of the Arm Forces of Liberia to contribute to the upkeep of our homes and society.
The school provides opportunities for women and men to acquire income-generating skills in catering, tailoring, Cosmetology, computers, interior decoration, and soap making, CCTV Installation, amongst others.
Remarking on behalf of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the 23rd Infantry Brigade, and the Army Wives Association, Josephine Kowo, President of the Association welcomed the training materials from the UN Women to the Army Wives Association Vocational training Center (AWA-VTC).
Over the last three years, AWA-VTC President Josephine Kowo has thrived through many challenges ranging from limited resources to work with, and low financial support, among others.
“Today we can boast of a modern facility of our own through the help of our First Lady.”
She expressed the association’s appreciation to the First Lady who according to her, is the major sponsor of this project, and the UN Women family for this tangible support.
Madam Kowo at the same time promises that the materials will not only be used for the intended purpose, but rather it will enhance our skills and empower the women.