Fambul Tok trains 65 women from Upper and Lower chiefdoms on inclusiveness, national cohesion, peace and sustainable development at Mosenesie at Lower Banta in Moyamba district. Participants were drawn from women in the Community Development Committee (CDC), Grievance Redress Committees and community-based organizations (CBOs).
Fambul Tok District coordinator Solomon Yarjoh welcomed participants and said that the purpose of the two day training is for women to strengthen social cohesion for sustainable peace and development, mitigating resource based conflicts and strengthen community resilience in the districts in Upper and Lower Banta chiefdoms in Moyamba. The same work is being done in Makpele and Malen chiefdoms in Pujehun. The project is supported by the United Nations peace- building fund through UNDP and WFP and Office of the Vice President. This is to empower women and youths in these chiefdoms have inclusive and healthier peace and development. He said CDC members and representatives from the sections assessed the women’s groups in those chiefdoms from a survey that was validated.
Lead facilitator Dr Isata Mahoi worked participants through human Rights, the Three Gender Acts, women’s rights to property, land and gender issues, registration of customary marriage, devolution of estate, policies and state laws and gender –based violence (GBV) issues. She explained that rights go with responsibilities. Such responsibilities include respect for the rule of law and payment of taxes. She mentioned the obligations of the local authorities and government to their citizens. She catalogued the responsibilities of parents to children and their responsibilities too. Women should have freedom of choices also. Dr. Mahoi explained the social construct in gender and the marginalization of women at home and community decision-making and the concept of equality. Humunatu Jalloh asked whether kids adopted will be part of the inheritance.
Dr Mahoi answered in the affirmative. She explained about the role of the police Family Support Unit in resolving family disputes. They discussed women access to land as difficult in spite of the strides made by some women. Interactive group work deliberated on what are the gender issues in our communities, who are the perpetrators, and how do we solve these problems.
All 3 groups flagged the issue of rape and the women suggested that government and stakeholders must seize on the opportunity to provide similar trainings for men on the 3 gender acts and women’s rights.
At the close of the day training Fambul Tok Solomon Yarjoh asked the women to use the knowledge and promise that Fambul Tok will continue to work with them. Mrs. Mary Miller on behalf of the women thanked Fambul Tok and UNDP for building their capacity and assured the trainers that the will take the knowledge and practice to their people in Lower Banta and Upper Banta chiefdoms.
