By Olimatou Coker
STAND-Gambia, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has empowered 10 women amputees through a three-day skills and entrepreneurship training under the Ladies Empowerment for Growth and Success (LEGS) initiative.
The training concluded Friday at the STAND-Gambia office in Kanifing and focused on practical income-generating skills to drive economic independence.
The programme is part of a three-year STAND project to support persons with limb differences to regain independence, provide for families, and contribute to their communities.
Nyima Ceesay, Admin of LEGS, said the training targets women amputees nationwide.
“This skills and entrepreneurship training is aimed at empowering women amputees across The Gambia,” she said.
Ten women were trained in beadwork, bag-making, key holders, and beaded shoes.
Ceesay said the goal is clear: “to help women with disabilities become economically independent and discourage them from remaining at home without productive activities or resorting to street begging.”
LEGS plans to scale to all 7 regions, targeting 10 women per region. It will also establish a dedicated shop to sell participants’ products, with profits reinvested to sustain the programme and create jobs.
“We are appealing to government and stakeholders to support this initiative,” Ceesay added. LEGS currently receives support from STAND-Gambia through the EU.
LEGS has over 130 members and is also working to establish a national female amputee football team. Membership is free and open to amputees and persons with limb differences who use crutches or wheelchairs.
Ebrima Bah, Coordinator of the EU STAND Project, said the project — Enhancing Rehabilitation and Empowering Amputee Associations in The Gambia prioritises amputees.
“There are three amputee communities in the country. We are currently working with two: the Gambia Amputee Football Association (GAFA) and LEGS,” Bah said.
“This training, organised by LEGS and supported by the EU through STAND-Gambia, is to increase their skills and knowledge so they can benefit themselves and society across the country.”
He said the nationwide STAND project also covers psychological support, community engagement, media programmes, and amputee football.
Awa Touray, President of LEGS, called the programme a turning point.
“With this training, they can tap into so many things. After making bags, key holders and slippers, they can develop more skills themselves. That means we have already empowered them,” she said.
Touray said participants are now ready to train others: “The first day was difficult. Yesterday and today, everyone is doing it on their own. That tells us when we go back, we can train others as well.”
She challenged stigma and exclusion:
“We all know the situation in The Gambia, especially if you are an amputee. People tend to belittle you. But if you are doing what others are doing, it tells you that disability is not inability. We are proud amputees.”
Touray urged government to deliver real inclusion:
“We are being left behind in the inclusiveness they claim. If 99 percent are included and only 1 percent of us are included, that is not fair.”
Naffie Secka, Founder of Fisa’s Creative Corner and lead trainer, said participants can buy materials and immediately start selling.
“I’m honoured to be the trainer. Sharing the skills I have is something I love doing,” she said.
She urged the women to keep practicing, “Do not stop after three days. Continue and grow your skills.”