The Kwara State Project Coordinating Unit for the Nigeria For Women Program Scale Up Project has taken part in the ongoing Training of Trainers Workshop organised by the Federal Project Coordinating Unit in Ogun State.
In their opening remarks, the Task Team Lead, Mr Michael Ilesanmi, and the National Project Coordinator, Dr Hadiza Maina, represented by Dr Oyefunke Koleowo, said the project was designed to help women rise above social norms and cultural barriers. They noted that it aims to make women economically independent and stressed that “this is the first stand alone project targeting women alone.”
Giving an overview of the programme, they explained that the first phase covered only six states, but about 32 states are currently part of the initiative. They added that in the Scale Up phase, attention will focus on Health Insurance, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Gender Based Violence, Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Care.
They also reiterated that the project is committed to strengthening Women Affinity Groups and other platforms that support women’s economic empowerment. According to them, it is equally working to expand economic opportunities for unbanked women, many of whom run micro or nano businesses.
Both speakers encouraged participants to use the workshop to understand the project better. They stated that the strategy and implementation approach of the Nigeria For Women Program Scale Up Project “differ from other programmes” and urged participants to pay attention to its unique features.
The State Project Coordinator, Hajia Medinat Idris, represented by the Head of Operations, Hajia Sadiq Ramat, praised the facilitators for their efforts. She commended them for their willingness to transfer the knowledge needed to fast track the project and achieve its Project Development Objectives.
