By Mabinty Magdalene Kamara
Businessman and philanthropist, Dr Adonis Abboud, has described the women folks as important instruments of social change if given the opportunity. He also said if society is to be transformed women should be given their rightful place in terms of contribution to its development.
The head of Transnational Sierra Leone Limited, the company which distributes the satellite television services provider DStv`s signal and equipment in Sierra Leone, was speaking as at the inauguration of a new boardroom at the offices of the women`s right campaign organisation, 50/50 Group.
The boardroom, part of the organization`s three storied ‘women's empowerment centre’ under construction, was furnished by Mr Abboud as part of his latest philanthropic acts in the country.
The 50/50 Group promotes women’s political empowerment and participation in governance and public life. It`s sole goal is ensure 50% female representation.
“Women came from the rib of men, not from the feet of men so that they can be kicked and thrown away easily,” Mr Abboud said, in reference to the religious description of the creation of Hawa/Eve from the rib of Adam, the first man created by God. He encouraged women to believe in themselves and forget the culture of them being spectators and endeavor to engage in every aspect of societal development.
The new 50/50 Group building, located on at Tower Hill in the center of Freetown, was designed to house the organization’s leadership training institute. It will also have a hostel to accommodate women undergoing training.
The board room is located on the first floor of the building which was recently completed. It was furnished with a state of the art table, swivel chairs, an air conditioner, a projector and a wall mounted screen.
Aisha Fofana, President of the 5050 group, while thanking Mr Abboud, called on other philanthropists to follow his footsteps so that the entire building is completed. She said the board room is important to the 50/50 group as it would allow them to come together under a conducive atmosphere and discuss issues of relevance to the organization and women. It would also save them the cost of renting a board room when the need arise, she added, noting that it would be open to other women`s organizations all around the country.
Dr Abboud was praised by the women for his longstanding support to women in general and the organization in particular. He has in the past raised more than Le30M on behalf of the organization in a fund raising dinner he organized at his home, and later donated US$5000 to the organization.
Mr Abboud has had his mark on a number of other projects across the country, including community bridging projects, and educational facilities.
(C) Politico Online 24/12/15
