Olivia Thompson
Tue, Aug 29, 2023 7:20 PMBreaking Barriers: Empowering Women for a Brighter Future
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Economic empowerment is a crucial tool in breaking the cycle of vulnerability faced by women and girls in Nigeria. Through the Spotlight Initiative-supported livelihood training, thousands of survivors of abuse have gained skills and financial independence, allowing them to assert their rights and support their families. This article explores the impact of economic empowerment on women's lives and the potential for creating a brighter, more equitable future free from violence.
Lagos, Nigeria - Women and girls in Nigeria continue to face numerous barriers to education, healthcare, and decent work, which perpetuate a state of vulnerability. These barriers not only contribute to poverty but also make them more susceptible to gender-based violence. However, one crucial tool is proving effective in breaking this cycle – economic empowerment.
Through the Spotlight Initiative-supported livelihood training program, over 10,000 survivors of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse in Nigeria have gained the skills and means to enhance their employment prospects or start their own businesses, enabling them to achieve financial independence and assert their rights.
One of the key testimonies of the program's success comes from Shekirat Ibrahim, a survivor who trained as a tailor. She shares, "My financial dependence on my husband served as a catalyst for violence. But through the Livelihood Empowerment Programme, I was able to reclaim my self-esteem and gain back my economic independence. My business has grown, and I now sew for local and international clients."
Another survivor, Juliet*, who completed training to become a chef, testifies to the transformation brought about by economic empowerment: "After years of enduring life-threatening domestic violence and being abandoned by my husband, I found myself broke and on the brink of suicide. Through the livelihood and economic empowerment provided by the Spotlight Initiative, I rose above my circumstances. Today, I can send all five of my children back to school and provide support to my extended family."
The impact of economic empowerment extends beyond the individual survivors. It positively affects their children and families as well. Blessing Ufot, another tailor, shares how the training has transformed her life: "My happiness has soared, and I have gained back full acceptance from my family after being rejected. I can now contribute financially like any other family member. I am happy that I can support myself and not rely on others."
Unfortunately, global gender parity in labor-force participation has been steadily declining, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this trend can be reversed through equal access to education, training, and job opportunities for women.
Empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits. It creates thriving communities built on fairness and equity, where every individual can lead a life free from violence. By breaking down barriers and providing economic opportunities, we can usher in a brighter future for women and girls in Nigeria and beyond.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-29 News
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