The key points of the program include empowering women in Nigeria and scaling up the initiative.
The Ekiti State Government has officially launched the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a collaborative initiative supported by the World Bank to empower women and create sustainable economic opportunities at the grassroots level. This program marks a significant milestone in advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive development in the community.
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During the launch event, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized the importance of the initiative in improving the livelihoods and economic independence of women. She praised Governor Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration for its bold commitment to empowering women and creating a more inclusive society.
The program will initially focus on Efon, Moba, and Gbonyin/Ayekire LGAs, with plans for expansion in the future. It aims to foster teamwork, enhance financial literacy, promote savings habits among women, and strengthen social bonds within the community. The ultimate goal is to uplift women and their families, improving their overall quality of life.
Mrs. Babafemi also recognized the support of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, in driving the program forward and encouraged women to actively participate by forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and following program guidelines.
To ensure successful implementation, the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU), led by Mrs. Toyin Familoni, engaged with stakeholders in Efon LGA through courtesy visits to local leaders and officials. These efforts were aimed at securing community support and creating a conducive environment for effective program delivery.
Mrs. Familoni highlighted the importance of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Exercise, which involves stakeholder engagement, sensitization campaigns, and the identification of facilitators. These steps are crucial in tailoring the intervention to meet the specific needs of women in the community and maximize its impact.
The program also seeks to provide access to finance through group formations, empowering participants with financial knowledge and resilience. The positive response from stakeholders in Efon has been promising, with leaders expressing optimism about the program’s potential to transform the socio-economic landscape for women.
The enthusiasm from community leaders and stakeholders in Efon has set a positive tone for the Nigeria for Women Program, with expectations of long-term benefits for women. Implementation in Moba and Ayekire LGAs is set to commence soon as part of the program’s phased rollout.
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The Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up in Ekiti State is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the World Bank. Together, they aim to combat poverty and gender inequality by empowering women economically and fostering sustainable development.
