By Emmanuel Koffa
The former President of the Grand Kru Teachers’ Association, Madam Mamie Baryor Scott, has called for increased women participation in the management and utilization of the County Development Fund (CDF).
Madam Scott questioned how the US$186,000 CDF allocated annually to the county is being utilized, expressing concern that its impact has not been significantly felt by ordinary citizens, particularly women.
“Every year, Grand Kru County receives US$186,000 as CDF, but when you look across the county, you hardly see projects that are directly improving the lives of women.”
Madam Scott said, although women are entitled to benefit from the CDF, the allocation has failed to translate into meaningful development outcomes for women.
“Women are supposed to benefit from the CDF, but most of our women are still struggling. There are no sustainable jobs, no empowerment programs, and no clear support systems for them.”
Madam Scott attributed the situation to the “failure of women, who previously served the county in leadership positions, including as superintendents to deliberately prioritize women-centered development initiatives.”
“We have had women in leadership positions before, but women-centered development was not made a priority. We must speak the truth if we want to move forward.”
She recommended that a specific portion of the CDF be earmarked exclusively for women-focused projects, including job-creation initiatives, skills training programs, and the construction of recreational and rehabilitation centers for children.
“If part of the CDF is set aside for women, it will empower families, strengthen communities, and reduce vulnerability.”
She has meanwhile, called on women throughout the county to unite and collectively advocate for fair access to the CDF resources.