It has again been affirmed that Nigerian women is set to experience a new dawn under the watch of Nigeria For Women Project, NFWP.
NFWP is carefully enunciated to improve livelihood of women in six states in Nigeria. They are; Abia, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Niger, Ogun, and Taraba States.
Logo Nigeria for Women Project
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria For Women Project, NFWP, Ruth Peter Mshelia, made the statement at her opening remarks at a two day “Media Workshop On Women Empowerment” held in Abuja, today.
She said that NFWP is an initiative of Federal Republic of Nigeria, supported by the World Bank as it robustly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and six states in Nigeria.
In her words, ” the project has been supporting people and impacting lives of women and families in three Local Government Areas of each implementing states”.
In the case of Abia, the three benefitting LGAs are, Isiala Ngwa North, Ohafia and Obingwa.
Many resource persons, including World Bank Safe Guide Specialist and Team Leader of NFWP, Mike Ilesanmi, spoke through zoom at the training workshop re-echoed that NFWP is designed to increase the economic diversification of women with a view of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
He pointed out when people invest in women they transform society, adding that the World Bank would not cease to provide financial and technical support to ensure the project succeeds.
The Operations Communication Officer of NFWP, Abduljalil Aliya professional handled the topic that deals on Nigeria For Women Project, What we do, how to do it”
He promptly explained the nitty-gritty of the entire NFWP project.
On her part, ICB Advisor, roundly x-rayed” Working with Women Affinity Groups, WAGs,
She showcased how women were mentored to freely form WAG, NFWP operators build their social capital through community training.
She equally highlighted 7 Non-Negotiable Principles or Pillars of WAG to include; inclusive of all women from 18 years and above, Rotational Leadership, meeting and record keeping. Other pillars are transparency and accountability, saving and credit as well as do no harm, to anyone.
NFWP also increased the socio-economic skill based of WAG, impart financial education, develop their business skills, link them to service providers as well as provide them livelihood and collective grants to qualified individuals and groups.
She revealed that women who have undergone training, imbibe the culture of savings, have a good business plan, as well as come to meeting regularly and on time, would access individual grant of #60,000 in the time of emergency.
Gender Based Violence Advisor, Mary Bishop, took time to explain ” Women Socio-economic Empowerment and the Relevance of NFWP”
While Joy Okeagu handled “Innovation and Partnership at the media workshop.
She articulated how the women should be supported via introduction technology in their means of production, storage facility, market linkages, including, Agent/Digital Banking, etc would catalyse the economic growth of women of the targeted communities.
Bolaji Adepegba professional handled the topic that dwelled on; “Developing a Woman angled story”.
He enlisted the partnership of the media to change the aged long negatives and stereotypes narratives against women.
He unveiled some roadblocks militating against women empowerment to include; misconceptions that tend to limit potentials of women, cultural and religious biases against women, among several others.
Meanwhile, it was resolved that media professionals should constantly report successes made by women in all clime.
