Fifteen women-led households in Babonneau received essential food and household supplies as part of Saint Lucia’s observance of International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Give to Gain’.
The hamper distribution initiative, organised on Saturday, March 14, by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Gender in collaboration with the Share and Care Alliance, was designed to provide tangible relief to women facing economic hardship, while reinforcing the national call for rights, justice and action for all women and girls.
The beneficiaries include single mothers, widows, elderly women, women living with disabilities and women from low-income households who continue to navigate rising living costs and limited economic opportunity.
Each hamper contained staple food items and household essentials carefully selected to improve short-term food security and preserve dignity. Items include rice, flour, milk, beans, canned protein, cooking oil, baby formula and personal hygiene supplies such as sanitary napkins and toiletries.
With an estimated investment of $5,000, the initiative reflected a targeted, community-based approach to women’s empowerment, one that recognises that poverty has a gendered face and that direct intervention can make an immediate, meaningful difference.
Spearheaded by the social transformation officer for the Babonneau region, Jeff Desir, the project represents a partnership-driven effort to strengthen community bonds while highlighting ongoing challenges facing women, particularly in vulnerable constituencies.
The initiative is intended to serve as a springboard for sustained outreach, including future livelihood support and empowerment programmes within the Babonneau community.
