Need To Empower Women Financially

16-04-2010 Need To Empower Women Financially
Consistent savings over a sustainable period of time has been identified as one of the cardinal principles of wealth creation as it helps in building the much needed capital for the establishment of small scale businesses. However, people living in the rural areas do not require much in breaking through the cycle of poverty in their respective communities. Addressing members of the Village Savings and Loans Association at Garu in the Garu-Tempane District of the Upper East Region, the Programmes Manager Presbyterian Agriculture Station (PAS), Soloman Atiigah, however, stressed the urgent need in assisting women financially in order to enhance their living standard. The Village Savings and Loans Association also known as Enhanced Savings and Credit for poverty Eradication (ESCAPE) which came into being in January, 2009, currently have a total membership of 3,040 involving 180 groups. The number of women stands at 2,129 representing 70 percent whilst the men constitute 911 representing 30 percent. The ESCAPE project which is being supported by Care International, an NGO and the Garu Agricultural station at Garu, aims at eradicating poverty through community based savings and loans associations. The project has since its inception impacted positively on the lives of some poor men and women in the area through loan accessibility and savings among themselves. Members are given training in nine concepts and modules by some community based trainers in the area of savings, group dynamics, leadership skills, conflict management, and loan procedures among others. Mr Atiigah in his welcome address said his outfit is working tirelessly to creating an enabling environment for women who are into businesses so as to empower them financially. Mr Atiigah, encouraged more women to take advantage of the projects since the benefits are enormous. He emphasized that the project with the support of CARE International and other key stakeholders would be extended to cover more communities and groups. In a speech read for him, the Garu District Chief Executive,…..complemented the continuous efforts of NGOs and organizations towards the reduction of poverty in the region and pledge the assembly’s support in that direction. He also took the opportunity to educate the public about the upcoming population and housing census and called on the support of all in ensuring its success. The Project Desk Officer, Liticia Apam Sampoa, who gave a situational background about the project, assured members of her outfits support. The Northern Sector Coordinator of Care International, Mr. David Sunbu noted that adequate finances for the rural poor is the best way to eradicate poverty and charged the members not to relent in their efforts at encouraging more women to join the project. About 20 new bicycles were later presented to the community based trainers in appreciation for their hard work and dedication in the performance of their duties. Beneficiaries claim the project have enable them to make end needs.