By Justina Auta
Arise Monalisa Foundation and One Percent International, NGOs, have advocated more investment and support for youths and women to accelerate their socio-economic and political progress in the country.
They made the call on Wednesday, while briefing newsmen in Abuja ahead of its conference in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).
The theme of this year’s IWD is, “Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’’ scheduled for March 28 in Abuja.
Monalisa Chinda, Founder, Arise Monalisa Foundation said the initiative was in view of the economic challenges bedevilling the nation, hence the need to invest and support women to be financially independent.
“I decided to collaborate with One Percent International management to see how we can reach out to young people who are thriving in their businesses or struggling to help them stabilise in this economy.
“This is in line with the UN IWD theme. In Nigeria, we need the women to be counted in at the helm of affairs.
“Collaboration is necessary and I always hope that women would always come together to support one another.
“We want to help young people and women grow their businesses, “she said.
According to her, some beneficiaries that have already applied for the support through their website will be selected and given financial support, leadership skills, as well as monitored to ensure progress and success of their businesses.
She explained further that through the initiative, they would collaborate with banks and notable individuals to support young female business owners.
“We have a website where we asked people to register and showcase their goods and products.
“We currently have about 300 people who have registered, and we will select the people to benefit from the initiative,”she said.
On her part, Stephanie Nnamdi, Chief Executive Officer, One Percent International, said the application to participate in the empowerment exercise was open to every young eligible woman.
“It is open for everybody to try to get in. But on that day, the people that will get the benefit will be 10 through proper solution.
“The financial institutions are the ones that are going to manage the money for them like a mentorship to ensure accountability.
“It’s not money that you take and spend on frivolities. This is strictly for business and they must be monitored,”she said.
Also, Uchenna Amadi, Strategist Manager, said the collaboration would not only improve the economic status of the beneficiaries but also impacted on the nation’s economy.
“The foundation since 2013 has been a beacon of hope for women who are striving to be the best in their space.
“And this time she has partnered with one Percent International to make sure it becomes something that the country will be concerned about.
“We will create an opportunity for women to learn and their skills harnessed, so we ask everyone to come and support,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights to mark the IWD conference include: panel discussions, exhibition, and launch of AMF Hub and networking sessions..
