By Ragan M. Conteh

Hundreds of women from several villages in Bonthe District, including Yangatoke, Mokabba, and Nyadahun, have benefited from the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) initiative provided by the Amazonian Initiative Movement Sierra Leone (AIM-SL). This initiative is a key component of AIM-SL’s mission to alleviate poverty amongst women and to help discourage harmful traditional practices that hinder their economic progress.

AIM-SL provided over fifty million old Leones (50m) as non-refundable startup to these women, meant on motivating them to join the savings groups to ensure sustain their own financial growth.

On Wednesday, 31st July 2024, AIM-SL Country Director Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay addressed the women of Yangatoke, Mokabba, and Nyadahun, expressing her gratitude for their cooperation and commitment to self-empowerment.

Madam Turay highlighted the organization’s dedication to supporting women, particularly in remote communities across Sierra Leone. She explained that the VSLA initiative is designed to prevent women from engaging in unproductive activities and to help them prioritize their goals. She emphasized that poverty in these communities often results from misplaced priorities and that education and empowerment are key to breaking this cycle.

Citing examples from other nations where women have achieved significant financial success through similar initiatives, Madam Turay encouraged the women to avoid spending their hard-earned money and poured it on traditional practices like the Bondo Society which she argued contributes only to their poverty and exploits them and their families.

She urged them to invest in their education and that of their children, and in doing so advocating for a shift in cultural norms that prioritize female genital mutilation (FGM) over more beneficial activities.

Madam Turay criticized politicians who exploit traditional societies for votes, urging the women to demand tangible improvements such as politicians building them schools, markets, and safe drinking water instead of giving them superficial gifts. She called for an end to FGM and proposed modernizing the Bondo society to address its inherent issues without harming girls and women.

Promising continued support, Madam Turay stated that “AIM-SL would not only provide financial aid through the VSLA scheme but also train women on their rights and how to modernize the Bondo society in Bonthe District.”

She commended the chairwomen who have worked tirelessly for the progress of their communities and encouraged them to continue by empowering themselves.

One of the beneficiaries, Margaret Saffa, emotionally shared her regretful years spent in what she described as being part of “unproductive bondo activities”.

She said it left her with nothing to show for her efforts and has resulted to their children receiving none education.

She thanked Madam Turay for her intervention, noting that the VSLA scheme has provided a substantial return on investment and will enable them to start new businesses.

Ramatu Rogers also expressed her gratitude to AIM-SL and Madam Turay, referring to her as a savior who is helping to bring women out of darkness.

The VSLA scheme has had a significant positive impact on their lives, and the women appreciate Madam Turay’s unwavering support.

A Sowei, Isata Sandi, admitted feeling guilty after Madam Turay’s speech and pledged to work with AIM-SL to achieve progress. Speaker after speaker at the event expressed profound gratitude to AIM-SL and Madam Turay for their intervention and called for continued support to develop their deprived communities.

Through the efforts of AIM-SL and the dedication of its leaders, women in Bonthe District are beginning to see a path to a more prosperous and empowered future.