The morning sun rose over the hills of Dschang, casting a warm golden glow over the town as women, young and old, gathered to celebrate a day that belonged to them—International Women’s Day 2024. For the Association for Sustainable Women Empowerment (ASWE), this day was not just about celebration but about impact, outreach, and transformation. With the unwavering support of LANA BIO COSMETICS, what followed was a weekend filled with moments that would stay with the community forever.
Breaking Barriers at Dschang Prison
The journey began behind the high walls of the Dschang prison, where the air carried a heavy silence, broken only by the voices of over 60 incarcerated women who had gathered, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and hope. ASWE’s mission here was clear—to remind these women that despite their circumstances, they mattered.
LANA BIO COSMETICS had prepared hygiene kits filled with luxurious soaps, lotions, and shower gels, small tokens of dignity that would allow these women to embrace self-care, even within the confines of prison life. As the packages were handed out, the smiles that spread across their faces were priceless.
In the men’s section, the outreach continued. Over 350 male prisoners and 70 juveniles received hygiene kits and food supplies, a simple yet powerful reminder that care and kindness recognize no boundaries. The ASWE team listened, shared words of encouragement, and provided a rare moment of connection for those longing to be seen beyond their labels.
Bringing Hope to Orphaned Children
Just a short drive from the prison, nestled near the municipal lake, stood the MIA-MO’O Orphanage. Here, the energy was different—vibrant, hopeful, and filled with the unfiltered joy of children eager to share their dreams.
Some wanted to be plumbers, electricians, hairdressers—dreams that, in many ways, were beyond their immediate reach. But ASWE believes in more than just dreams; they believe in turning them into reality. By engaging with the children, understanding their aspirations, and planning future support, the team left with renewed determination to help these young souls carve out the future they deserved.
A Royal Reception at Bafou Palace
Next on the journey was a visit to the Bafou Palace, a place rich in tradition and history. The wives of the superior chief of Bafou welcomed the ASWE team with warmth, their elegant attire reflecting the pride and strength of the women they represented.
As part of the celebration, ASWE, with the support of LANA BIO COSMETICS, distributed self-care kits to honor these women, recognizing their role as pillars of their community. The day was further enriched by a reception hosted by the SDO of KONDNI village community, turning the event into a grand affirmation of the power of women in society.
Spontaneous Acts of Kindness in the Village
The most unexpected yet touching part of the day came as ASWE and LANA BIO COSMETICS ventured into the village, surprising women and young girls with self-care kits. There were no formal speeches, no staged moments—just raw, genuine interactions. Women who had never received such gifts before clutched them tightly, their smiles radiating gratitude.
One young girl, barely thirteen, looked at the lotion in her hands and whispered, “Now I can smell nice like my teacher.” It was a simple statement, but it carried the weight of how small acts of kindness could change the way a girl saw herself.
A Celebration Beyond One Day
As the sun set over Dschang, casting long shadows over the roads ASWE had traveled that day, the team reflected on the true meaning of International Women’s Day. It wasn’t just about an event; it was about creating lasting change—in prisons, in orphanages, in villages, and in the hearts of every woman they met.
This was empowerment in action.
With gratitude to LANA BIO COSMETICS for making this possible, ASWE left Dschang with a renewed commitment: to keep fighting, keep uplifting, and keep ensuring that women everywhere feel seen, valued, and empowered—every single day of the year.
