EMPOWERING WOMEN, TRANSFORMING SOCIETY

By:- Christiana Agamah, Samson Ugwu and Joy Idris

 Bwaria local government area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, is characterized by socio-economic disparities and gender-based inequalities that disproportionately affect women and girls. Recognizing the importance of gender equality as a catalyst for social progress and inclusive development, the Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF) embarked on a project to address these challenges and promote gender equity within the community.

Project Objectives:

• To enhance access to quality education and skill development opportunities for girls.
• To improve maternal and reproductive healthcare services for women.
• To promote economic empowerment and entrepreneurship among women and girls.
• To advocate for gender-responsive policies and social inclusion initiatives within the community.

Project Activities:

Educational Initiatives: The project implemented programs to increase access to education for girls, mentoring sessions, and awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and promote girls’ enrolment and retention in schools.

Economic Empowerment: Skills training workshops and vocational programs were organized to equip women and girls with practical skills in areas such as tailoring, bead making, and catering, enabling them to generate income and become self-reliant.

Advocacy and Awareness: Advocacy campaigns were conducted to raise awareness about gender equality issues, advocate for women’s rights, and mobilize community support for gender-responsive policies and programs, including initiatives to combat gender-based violence and promote women’s participation in decision-making processes.

 Achievements:

Increased School Enrolment: The project contributed to a significant increase in girls’ enrolment and retention in schools, with many beneficiaries receiving scholarships, mentorship support, and educational resources to pursue their academic goals.

Improved Healthcare Access: Maternal and reproductive healthcare services reached a larger segment of the community, resulting in improved maternal and child health outcomes, increased contraceptive uptake, and greater awareness of reproductive rights and health-seeking behaviours among women.

Economic Empowerment: Women and girls acquired valuable skills and entrepreneurial training, enabling them to start small businesses, generate income, and contribute to household livelihoods, thereby reducing poverty and enhancing economic resilience.

Policy Advocacy: The project’s advocacy efforts led to increased awareness of gender equality issues among community members and policymakers, fostering a more supportive environment for gender-responsive policies and programs aimed at promoting women’s rights and social inclusion.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Socio-cultural Barriers: Deep-rooted socio-cultural norms and gender stereotypes continue to present challenges to gender equality efforts, underscoring the importance of community engagement, sensitization, and behaviour change interventions.

Resource Constraints: Limited funding and resources posed challenges to the sustainability and scalability of project interventions, highlighting the need for strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and innovative financing mechanisms.

Capacity Building: Strengthening the capacity of local institutions and community leaders to champion gender equality remains a priority, necessitating ongoing training, mentorship, and institutional support to sustain project impact and foster long-term change.

Feedbacks from participants

Miss Bridget olohiliye:- “Participating in the project’s advocacy campaigns opened my eyes to the importance of gender equality and women’s rights. I am now more aware of my rights and feel empowered to speak up against gender-based discrimination and violence. This project has ignited a sense of activism within me.”

Mrs ShehuFatima:– “Learning new skills through the project’s vocational training workshops has transformed my life. I now run my own business and contribute to my family’s income. The project has empowered me to be financially independent and has given me the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams.”

Recommendations:

• Strengthen collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for sustained impact and scale-up of gender equality initiatives.
• Integrate gender perspectives and mainstream gender considerations across all development programs and policies to ensure inclusivity and address gender disparities at all levels.
• Invest in capacity building and leadership development initiatives to empower women and girls as agents of change and advocates for gender equality within their communities.

MISSION: – To empower youth to lead transformative change in society’s health landscape through creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global sustainability goals.

 

VISION: – Cultivating a society where physical, mental, and social health thrive.