YOUNG WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG WOMEN
To be born as a girl into a poor family means you could be married as early as 9 years old. Girls in most tribal groups are viewed as liabilities rather than assets for their families, communities, and society. The institution of Marriage is a great thing for society and families; however, it should be a choice between two consenting adults, and it should never be forced, especially on a child to marry an adult.
Liberia, one of Africa’s oldest independent nations, continues to allow such practices to exist today, with excuses given by leaders that it is the traditional way of life. Due to social and economic disparities that exist, young girls are forced to be married as a child and the ones that try to escape this tradition are met with challenges from the so call “Sugar Daddies”; men who exchange sex for financial favors. Most of these young women with no educational or vocational background find themselves in worsening situations such as early childhood pregnancy, drug abuse, prostitution and other undesirable lifestyles that damage their chances for a better future. These young women are left with no other means to support themselves and their children. Show More
With no education, training and financial support, these young women, whether victims of early childhood marriages, or school dropouts, are more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and discrimination. Some find themselves in abusive and violent relationships in order to survive and to take care of their children, thus the cycle of intergenerational poverty continues.
Sensee Foundation of Hope’s goal is to empower these young women, by giving them opportunities to learn new skills, providing some financial support to help them become greater assets to their families and communities. They will use these learning tools to help them achieve self sustainance and more opportunities for employment and/or small business ownership.
The Young Women Empowerment Program candidates are chosen based on their needs, capabilities, and the willingness to participate.
Please visit our Video and Photo Galleries for more on our Young Women Empowerment program.