MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Office of the Second Lady of Liberia has launched its flagship program, the “Empower Her” Initiative, intended to cater to the welfare of the women living with disabilities.

Under the maiden edition of the initiative, about 257 disabled women and girls have been selected to benefit from a three-month capacity and vocational skills training.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative recently, Second Lady Stephanie Dahn-Koung noted that not much is being said and done about women with disabilities, despite urgent efforts to promote women’s rights globally, including in Liberia.

Madam Koung said,” disabled women face double discrimination, including sexual and domestic violence, with little access to health care, protection and justice, among others”.

The Second Lady said,” The ‘Empower her’ initiative was birthed to address societal discriminations mainly against women with disabilities, through livelihood skills training and macro loans”.

Of the 257 disabled women recruited for the program, 162 women will be trained, and 95 others will be given macro loans to immediately elevate their businesses and economic activities.

About 162 of the participants are physically challenged, while 61 of them are deaf, 30 are visually impaired, and four are people with albinism.

The women are placed into five specialized training categories, including catering, soap making, tailoring, interior decoration, and tar and dyeing, across four institutions in Liberia.

The Second Lady frowned on the fact that many disabled women are reduced to street beggars and exposed to rape and violence, including sexual violence.

Madam Koung vowed to continue to advocate for the betterment of women with disabilities in Liberia, to provide sustainable support for them through life-changing skill training and macro loans.

The Second Lady recognized President Joseph Boakai for inspiring her drive to support women, especially those with disabilities, noting that the President has demonstrated his commitment by appointing more women to top government positions.

The Second Lady “Empower Her” program is currently conducting assessment needs in nearby Counties, including Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Cape Mount, to expand the initiative.