By Justina Auta
An NGO, Trueneed Stage Empowerment Foundation (TSEMF), says it has empowered more than 80 female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and grassroots women on how to promote gender equity and inclusion.
The Founder of the organisation, Olasupo Austin, made this known during the empowerment event in Abuja on Thursday, saying it was part of the group’s 2024 advocacy programme with the theme “Radiant Resilience: Every Woman’s Journey.”
Austin said the programme was to alleviate poverty, improve the quality of life of vulnerable and less privileged persons, as well as promote women inclusion in socio-economic and leadership positions.
He added that “after the programme, we want them to become advocates and we need them to realise that there is nothing they want to achieve that they cannot do.
“We want to see them at the forefront, making impactful changes because when you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.
“We are here to get to the grassroots and also bring them to the fore so that government can see them and their voices heard.”
Sophia Adeosun, the Project Officer, Innovation Empathy and Movement for Gender Justice (INEMO Foundation), said the exercise would empower women with skills that would enable them excel in all areas.
Adeosun said “women and girls lag behind in our society due to certain factors, which can be addressed.
“So, we believe that with women empowerment and girl-child education, we will be able to address them and provide them with opportunities to participate and contribute to the growth and development of the country.”
Dr Oshadare Victor, a Financial and Security Consultant, urged women to key into business opportunities that would empower them and enable them to access funds that would make them at par with others.
He said “you need to look for alternatives and earn for yourself from little things you are doing and start small and grow the business.
“When you grow a business to a point, banks may even be willing to give you additional funding to expand it.”
Mrs Patience Okolo-Dickson, the Founder/Executive Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), stressed the need to invest and encourage girl-child education to harness their potential and reduce inequalities.
Okolo-Dickson said there are challenges hindering the growth, development and utilisation of the potential of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and called for support and attitudinal change toward addressing them.
Ms Maimuna Sani-Magaji, a Youth Development Professional, called for mentorship and skill building to advance women in leadership positions.
Ms Oluwatosin Folajimi, a youth corp member, said the capacity building has equipped her with investment skills that will generate income for her, rather than rely on government jobs.
