IWD: Organisation empowers vulnerable women

The Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), formerly known as the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, based in Abuja, has embarked on an endeavour to uplift vulnerable women as part of its activities to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD).

The NGO, in collaboration with the Barek Charity Foundation, conducted a specialized training program benefiting over 200 disadvantaged women in the art of soap-making, turban crafting, and effective packaging and marketing techniques.

The beneficiaries, hailing from various clusters of vulnerable women groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states, received intensive training aimed at enhancing their economic independence and overall well-being.

Emphasizing the significance of this initiative in alignment with this year’s IWD theme, “Empower a woman, accelerate progress,” the Executive Director of Barek Charity Foundation, Mrs. Comfort Omoya, underscored the vital role of empowering women in fostering societal advancement.

Mrs. Omoya articulated, “Empowering a woman creates a ripple effect, enriching not only her life but also positively impacting her children, community, and beyond. Our partnership with Helpline Initiative is founded on the belief that empowering women is pivotal for societal transformation.”

She stressed the importance of governmental support in ensuring the sustainability of empowerment programs, advocating for financial grants and material assistance for women equipped with skills to catalyse economic growth and societal development.

“The government can come in with empowerment sustainability programmes such as grants to women; giving these women financial support, and materials to help them continue to carry out these skills. Government plays important role in ensuring that women are empowered,” Mrs. Omoya said.

Also Read: Association marks International Women’s Day in Abuja

Echoing Mrs. Omoya’s sentiments, the Project Manager, Helpline Social Support Initiative, Arome Onoja, highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to advocating for and supporting women in Abuja and beyond.

He emphasized the transformative potential of investing in women, citing studies demonstrating the correlation between women’s empowerment and economic prosperity.

Onoja remarked, “Investing in women is investing in the future. By providing women with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we unlock their full potential and drive economic growth.

“We therefore call on all and sundries to join us in one spirit as we work to bringing succour to the vulnerable women and others from all sections.”

Testimonies from beneficiaries, such as Mrs. Safiya Alhassan from the Suleja HSSI cluster, underscored the tangible impact of the training program.

Mrs. Alhassan, a mother of four, expressed her desire to leverage her newfound skills to establish a business for the betterment of her family and community.

However, she appealed to the government for support in procuring the necessary materials, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among women.