MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Women Empowerment in West Africa (WEWA), in partnership with Project Rotary Club of Monrovia, has graduated about 194 women from four slum communities in Monrovia.

The women were graduated in basic business, financial management and peace building, after five months training at the very first graduation ceremony since the establishment of the organization recently held.

Communities that benefited include Clara Town, Duport Road, Old and New Matadi and Central Monrovia.

Serving as guest speaker, former Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Finance Arthur W.B. Fumbah said the occasion was very important because it is about potential business executives, which will help women empower themselves in constituting their own businesses and take the stance in society to boost Liberia’s economy and compete with other African women.

Mr. Fumbah said: “It is necessary to help women business, because it will help empower them in the private sector rather than waiting on Government’s jobs.”

According to him, the Rotary Club of Monrovia is not only in Liberia but also in West Africa and other countries around the world.

The former Deputy Minister encouraged Liberian women to work diligently and compete with their male counterparts, and stop squandering their resources unprofitably and establish an entrepreneurship in Africa and the world at large.

He said business is legal and it comprises two parents, the owner of the business and the government; adding that it is important that business women pay their taxes lawfully to aid government uphold its national duty.

Mr. Fumbah stressed that there is a need for Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to help women to grow their businesses and develop the country, by investing in their businesses.

Mr. Fumbah applauded donor partners that are working positively to create job opportunities for many Liberian women.

For his part, Rotary Club of Monrovia President David Frankfurt disclosed that beginning next year, the organization will have its new President to uplift the organization in Liberia.

He encouraged EDUCare, YMCA and other partners working with the Rotary Club of Monrovia to drive the organization to its destination.

For her part, EDUcare Executive Director, Doeta Famak, said Rotary Club is not a government institution, but the conglomeration of individuals who spent their resources to improve the lives of others.