By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
As Nigeria marks the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a group, Gender Educators Initiative, in partnership with Action Against Hunger for the Vulnerable initiative (ACAFV), launched a micro-business empowerment programme targeting 100 internally displaced women in Sokoto State.
The empowerment initiative is designed to tackle one of the root causes of vulnerability among displaced women –economic dependence –which often exposes them to abuse, exploitation and limited decision-making power.
By supporting women to start and sustain small businesses, the programme aims to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen resilience.
Speaking at the official launch in Sokoto, Founder of Gender Educators Initiative, Shafa’atu Suleiman, said the project is the result of a long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for women in crisis situations.
“Many displaced women want to work, they want to take care of their children, but they lack the capital and guidance to start,” she explained.
“Our motivation is simple: to restore dignity, hope and financial stability. Even small businesses can change lives when women are empowered to own them,” Suleiman added.
According to her, the programme does not end at the point of distribution of funds. Business development experts were invited to train the beneficiaries on book-keeping, market planning, pricing, and how to reinvest for growth.
Suleiman disclosed that her organisation will make routine follow-up visits to monitor progress and ensure the capital is properly managed.
”Follow-up is very important. We want to see these businesses grow. We want to see women become the backbone of their homes and communities,” she said.
A representative of Action Against Hunger for the Vulnerable Initiative, who was present the event, stated that it is important that more women are empowered, pointing out the importance of being independent as a woman.
According to her, the organization is ready to empower more women for the greater good of society.
Also speaking during the event, the special guest of honor, Yusuf Dangadi, emphasised that the project is designed to build both economic and emotional resilience.
He noted that many of the beneficiaries have experienced trauma, displacement, and loss due to conflict.
“Empowerment is not just about money. It is also emotional strength.
“When a woman can provide for her family, she starts to believe in herself again. This programme gives women confidence, purpose and hope,” he added.
The program was attended by community leaders, women activists and development partners.
Vice President of Zone A, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rabi Muhammad Gwadabawa, praised the initiative as a timely intervention.
“Displaced women carry heavy burdens. This programme addresses both the economic and social challenges they face. We need more of such interventions, especially during these 16 days when the world is speaking out against violence,” she said.
A representative from the Sokoto State Department of Human Rights also commended the organisers for targeting a vulnerable group that is often overlooked in development policy.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, sharing hopes of starting petty trading, tailoring, food vending and other micro-enterprises to support their households.
Some women said they plan to diversify into agriculture and livestock rearing as their capital grows.
The initiative forms part of a series of activities being carried out nationwide during the 16 Days of Activism, a global movement dedicated to highlighting and combating gender-based violence.
Other activities include community sensitisation, legal awareness campaigns, school outreach, and media advocacy.
In Sokoto, organisers said they will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the women remain supported beyond the 16 days. More women across Local Government Areas (LGAs) are expected to be reached in subsequent phases of the programme.
“Our goal is long-term impact. When women are empowered, families are safer, communities are stronger, and violence reduces. This is how we build a future where every woman can stand on her feet,” the organizers stressed.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Happy faces at the event.
