An Investigation into the Impact of Voice of Grace Foundation Programmes in Alleviating Poverty Among Cameroonian Women in Limbe Cameroon

Abstract

The study sought to analyze the role of NGO programs such as the Voice of Grace Foundation in alleviating poverty among Cameroonian women in Limbe. The study explored the economic hardship faced by women in Limbe. It equally analysed the role and contribution of the Voice of Grace Foundation to the welfare of women in their efforts to alleviate poverty. The mixed method set the base for answers to the research objectives Purposive sampling was used to target the women and staff of the Voice of Grace Foundation. The study targeted 50 participants, in return 35 respondents views was received. From the key findings it became apparent that with the support of Voice of Grace Foundation programmes, women gained knowledge and skills as a source of employment in the informal sector. The Voice of Grace Foundation programmes empowered women through provision of seed capital, loans, income generating and vocational training skills. Despite this support the women have not gained adequate empowerment to reduce poverty in Limbe. Thus the women lack basic education to eradicate poverty in the formal sector jobs. The Voice of Grace Foundation faced challenges such as: Lack of support and policies from the government, national and international bodies, to put an end to patriarchal domination and discriminatory cultural and legal laws. As a result it is difficult for the Voice of Grace Foundation to satisfy, the growing population of vulnerable women in Limbe. The researcher recommends for a collective effort from the government, and nongovernmental agents, local institutions, and international bodies to improve the status of women with adequate education and empowerment that is necessary for women to attain strategic gender needs. This will complement the efforts of Voice of Grace Foundation to give women the capacity to contribute to the Millennium Development goals to alleviate poverty.