Hawanatu Conteh is a dedicated worker at the LAMBDA Poultry Farm as part of the Diversifying and Boosting of Livestock Production Project in Sierra Leone. In her role, she has gained extensive knowledge in agriculture, mastering skills from chicken rearing to cassava cultivation. This marks her first paid job, and with pride, she shares, “I have learned a lot about agriculture. This is where I make money to meet the needs of my two young children, a three-year-old and a six-year-old.” Hawanatu’s commitment extends beyond the workplace; the money she earns contributes to paying nursery school fees for her children. Upon returning home, she engages with her kids, sharing in their educational journey by listening to what they’ve learned, singing songs together, creating a beautiful bond of shared growth and learning. Hawanatu’s story exemplifies the impact of providing opportunities for women in agriculture, not only fostering economic independence but also nurturing family and community well-being.
In years 1 and 2, the farmers’ groups, including Hawanatu, received training and invested in essential resources such as chicks, feed milling machines, a motorbike, a freezer, and a generator. According to the business plan, the group is set to sell the feed to other poultry farmers and eggs once the chicks reach 20 weeks old. This strategic initiative not only enhances the economic viability of the poultry farm but also contributes to the overall sustainability and growth of the community.
More than half of the world’s agricultural workers are women, yet they represent only 13% of landowners. They are often not allowed to own the land they work on or make financial decisions.
– Oxfam Italia
Women do 2.6 times more unpaid care and housework than men and earn 23% less for paid work. But when they earn money, they reinvest 90% of their resources in their families and communities, kickstarting a cycle of change that can last generations.
– Oxfam Italia
GENDER EQUALITY MEANS GROWTH
Up until February 1st, 2024, LuisaViaRoma will support Oxfam by contributing to its women-to-women economic growth mentorship programs, exemplified by inspiring figures like Hawanatu. Beyond individual empowerment, economic independence for women radiates positive transformations across communities and strengthens our economic systems.
Champion sustainable fashion through LVRSustainable as we help develop the community of empowered women and sustainable businesses, contributing to a more equitable and conscious future.
About LVRSustainable
LVRSustainable is the section of LUISAVIAROMA dedicated to offering a curated selection of the best conscious brands and items, as well as special collaborations with renowned non-profits, organizations, and brands to benefit social and environmental causes.
LVRSustainable has built a community which is attentive to the topic of sustainability, promoting conscious fashion based on two fundamental criteria: “Planet” & “People”.
Expanding on these two main themes, we decided to pursue eight sustainable tags.
Organic, vegan, low impact, and recycling & upcycling focus on our “Planet” by respecting the environment and our ecosystem.
While “People” focuses relate to society and its well-being through ethical trade, women’s empowerment, luxury craftsmanship, and community engagement.
About Oxfam
Oxfam fights against inequality to end poverty and injustice – today and in the future. It is a movement of millions of people, aiming to provide communities with livelihoods, resilience, and safeguarding lives in emergencies. With over 80 years of experience, Oxfam is a global leader in delivering water and sanitation services in emergencies. Comprising 21 organizations, Oxfam works alongside communities in Italy and in 80 countries around the world. In the period April 2022 – March 2023, Oxfam has reached 15.5 million people worldwide, with 51% being women and girls, with the goal of empowering the poorest and most vulnerable to improve their living conditions and influence decisions that affect them.
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#Women4Women
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