The Groupement des Femmes Vaillantes et Dynamiques du Grand-Lomé (GFVD-GL), a women-led organization dedicated to mutual aid and improving the lives of vulnerable women, has grown to 700 members since its establishment on March 5, 2023.
In a speech delivered during the group’s third-anniversary thanksgiving Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Paula Abla Mawuenyegah, President of GFVD-GL, highlighted the organization’s core mission.
She described GFVD-GL as “a gathering of women aimed at mutual aid, solidarity, and improving the living conditions of vulnerable and disadvantaged women by offering them training in income-generating activities and leadership.”
According to Mrs. Mawuenyegah, the group has equipped vulnerable women with the skills necessary for economic growth and personal development.
She noted, “Every month, we organize training. We train women every month in income-generating activities, including the manufacture of bags, the manufacture of shoes, soap, appetizers, pomades, and massages. Lots of things.” While speaking, she expressed gratitude for the support received and called for broader collaboration.
“We extend our hands to all people of goodwill, men and women, who wish to collaborate with us and help us for the development of women, the pillar of our society,” she said.
Over the past three years, the Groupement des Femmes Vaillantes et Dynamiques du Grand-Lomé has provided microcredits and training to women entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
The group has also identified girls in the informal sector, enrolled them in school, covered fees, and raised awareness among parents on children’s rights and gender equality.
In the healthcare sector, they have organized workshops on women’s rights and health, and have supported women living with HIV/AIDS through support groups and credit facilities.
In their attempt to enhance community development, Groupement des Femmes Vaillantes et Dynamiques du Grand-Lomé has constructed wells, machines, and birthing clinics in villages while promoting women’s participation in local decision-making.
The GFVD-GL is led by Honorable Kayi Raymonde Lawson as their Honorary President, with Madame Bénédicte Talaki as godmother.
Togo has recorded notable progress in women’s empowerment, achieving a score of 97.5 points in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and Law” report, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
