GOMPA, Nimba – Success Women, a group based in the John Wesley Pearson Community in Gompa, held a rally on Sunday, April 30 aimed at raising funds to construct a palava hut for the community.

The hut will be used for the groups’ activities and community events.

The group of at least 64 women was established to empower its members financially. Speaking to the press after the rally, the chair of the group, Linda Lewis, said its members are embarking on this project without any outside intervention.

“We don’t have anybody to help us. We want to do this all by ourselves,” Lewis said.

On a rotational basis, the group provides special assistance to its members through visitation and gift sharing.

“We go to people’s houses. We talk to them, collect L$25 (US$0.23) and have soap to give to them,” Lewis added. “This is going on very well – we are alright with it and everyone in the group is cooperating.”

Lewis said it was a brilliant idea for women to come together in the community to contribute to its development. She urged women in other communities to do the same.

Having raised a little over US$250, the group is expected to commence the project soon.

Yah Gbelee, a member of the group and the winner of the queen contest during the rally, said it was exciting to be a part of an initiative that seeks to bring development in the community and the nation.

“Success Women is doing good things, and I want for it to go all over in the communities,” Gbelee said. “I am telling my friends that any time their children call them to be part of something or group like this, they should not refuse; let them join it. I am feeling very proud today that I [won] as queen for Success Women.”

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah