As part of their five-year anniversary celebration, Ladies Bantaba a non-profitable Movement has donated sanitary and other materials to the Department of Paediatrics at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul.
The donation is part of the movement’s contribution to the development of the country with a specific focus on health and women empowerment.
The items donated include 16 mattresses, 20 bedsheets, 1 carton of sanitary pad; 4 gallons of cleaning bleach 2.84L and 5 bottles of surgical spirit 1L.
Aja Fatty, head of the Ladies Bantaba said the initiative is part of the movement’s contribution to national development.
In explaining the motive behind the support, Ms Fatty noted that at one time two of their members were admitted to the said department, while there they understood some of the challenges that women (mothers) are faced with.
“This is why as ladies we have a responsibility when necessary to support our fellow women who are in need, we understand that this department is in need of such support that is why we are out here today to support them,” she said.
Prof. Simon Pius, Consultant, Neonatologist commended the Ladies Bantaba for their foresight in supporting the Paediatric ward, describing it as timely.
He encouraged the Ladies Bantaba to also engage themselves in advocating for women to be educated and contribute their quarter to the development, empowerment and welfare of their children.
“If women are educated they are empowered and can take good care of their children properly. They will know what it takes to be able to take good care of your children from infant to adulthood,” he said.
Dr Lamin Makalo, Deputy Head of the Department of Paediatrics, welcomed the support saying this will go a long way in helping to maintain standards in the ward. It is very difficult to maintain the condition of the place, but with this support, a lot will change.
“Some of these items here will go a long way in maintaining the sanitary condition of these mothers, some of whom stay here for months depending on the condition of other children,” he said.
He added: “We want to encourage you to do more of such things and as well expand your movement to accommodate for women, legally register it and continue to help more people.”
About the Ladies Bantaba
Ladies Bantaba was established as a WhatsApp group chat on January 26, 2017, the creation was geared towards building strong friendships, loving and caring for each other through communication, discussing issues affecting ladies in the society, how to take care of our marital homes and the like. The group was created by two people and they decided to add friends to the number we have now.
