By Fatou Dahaba
After an intensive four-day training, the City Link Ostend-Banjul project on Saturday, July 27, certified 30 women in Banjul in soap making, recycling used tires into stylish furniture, and business skills.
During the training, the women produced thousands of soaps using Neem and Moringa tree extracts, which are known for their benefits to the body and their ability to eliminate strong body odors. These extracts are also used for laundering and body washing.
Additionally, the trend of repurposing tires into stylish furniture pieces opens up opportunities for companies to offer eco-friendly and unique home décor options.
Isatou Ceesay, President of Women Initiative Gambia, encouraged the beneficiaries to continue their hard work and make the best use of the knowledge they gained, which can liberate them financially.
“You are special and lucky to be part of this training, so continue with the commitment. You’re trained to come back and share the knowledge with those who are not lucky to be here, and if you do that, we will be able to achieve our goal,” she said.
Hon. Azziz Dabakh Gaye, Deputy Mayor of Banjul, emphasized the council’s commitment to empowering the people of Banjul but acknowledged they cannot do it alone. He noted that this project presented that opportunity.
“I want to assure you that we want to sustain this project at the council level. This soap-making and tire transformation open the gate for sustainability,” he said.
Ousman Jobe, the project coordinator, expressed delight at the Ostend City Link Banjul project, which empowers Banjul’s youth and women.
Participant Mansata Danso highlighted the potential of empowered women, stating, “If women are empowered, they can do more than men because their efforts in making tire transformation are a true testament of what women can do.” She emphasized the importance of acquiring skills, especially for women and youth.
Ajie Kombeh Badjie, also a participant in the soap-making group, commended the organizers for giving them the opportunity.
The training was implemented by Women Initiative Gambia, which helps financially poor women in The Gambia improve their skills and income to raise the standard of living of their families and communities.
This initiative is part of the Women Empowerment Program at Crab Island Sustainable Development Center, funded by the European Union under the Banjul City Council.
