A local non-governmental organization, Humanist Watch Salone (HUWASAL) has engaged stakeholders in Kenema on the implementation of enhancing women’s right in the ownership of land in the eastern region. The meeting took place at the District Council Hall, Nyandeyama Road in Kenema.
Giving the purpose of the engagement, the National Coordinator, Humanist Watch Salome, Christopher Brima said Humanist Watch Salone is an indigenous human right and development organization established in 2003, registered with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Christopher Brima said HUWASAL works in the interest of disadvantaged women, children and the physically challenged and to empower them gain dignity and humanity, adding that the organization is committed to promoting human rights, social justice and community development. He maintained that their aims and objectives are to enhance women’s ownership of land in the rural communities, stating that majority of rural women depend on land for their socio-economic survival.
The National Coordinator pointed out that the project which is aimed at increasing women’s access to land, targets the three districts in the eastern region of Kono, Kailahun and Kenema with 144 communities.
Christopher Brima noted that Humanist Watch Salone was able to secure funds from United Nations Democracy Fund to implement the project for two years. He maintained that the enhancement of the rights of women for land ownership has been a challenge for women in this part of the country, stressing that the project is aimed at creating awareness where traditional leaders, youth and religious leaders would see reasons to accept the popularization of the policy.
The Chairperson of the programme who is also the deputy director of the Ministry of social welfare, east, Alice Jeneba Koroma commended Humanist Watch Salone for the venture taken in agitating for women’s ownership of land.
She said the tradition and custom had militated against women in decision making which, according to her, had led to the backwardness of women in all sectors of development. Alice Jeneba Koroma referred to land issues as major problems which most women had suffered from in their family lines. She assured the support of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs in propagating the ideology in the best interest of the women and the children.
The programme manager of HUWASAL, Anthiono Lamin Lansana highlighted the focus point of the project through consultation with the stakeholders and advocacy for women to have the rights of owning landin their family background. Mr. Lansana stated that the participation of chiefs and the involvement of women in land ownership will enable equity and improve their livelihood in the community.
In his statement, the Provincial Secretary, east, George Penyikie appreciated the effort of Humanist Watch Salone for the step taken, as the project, he said, will enable them look at the new land policy in the country. He however advised them to be courageous in their approach as there are several challenges which they will face in the engagement of some authorities in the community.
By Saffa B. Moriba
Thursday February 04, 2016
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