PeaceOweiOnyanbo and She4She’s Drive for Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment

By Bem Abubaker

The She4She Initiative, with its unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and girls, emerges as a force for positive change in a world where gender equality remains a paramount goal. Inspired by the United Nations Declaration on Women’s Rights and Equality, this organization has embarked on a noble mission that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address the multifaceted challenges facing women, especially in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the path to gender equality is fraught with challenges. Shockingly, nearly half of Nigerian women live below the poverty line, emphasizing the crucial need for economic empowerment programs. Access to quality healthcare remains elusive for many women, as maternal mortality rates continue to be unacceptably high. Gender disparities still plague the educational landscape, particularly in rural areas, while gender-based violence casts a long shadow over the lives of countless Nigerian women. But the She4She Initiative, founded by Peace Onyanbo Owei, stands resolute to confront these challenges, with the aim of lifting women out of poverty, improving healthcare access, promoting education, and dismantling restrictive gender norms (aligned with SDGs 1, 3, 4, and 5). The inception of this transformative initiative was inspired by the disparities and obstacles faced by women and girls not only in the organization's local community but also across Nigeria, challenges of which include dis- crimination and limited opportunities. The driving belief behind the She4She Initiative is that every woman should have the opportunity to not only survive but thrive, to lead, and to contribute to the development of her community.

To achieve its mission, the She4She Initiative has crafted an array of programs. Annually, they unveil a comprehensive schedule of activities designed to empower women and girls. These activities include seminars and entrepreneurship training programs, with an agenda to provide women with the vital skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Unpacking the flagship program – She4She Woman Up "She4She Woman up" entrepreneurship training equips women with skills required to start and manage their businesses. It covers aspects such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership development. This program has yielded substantial success, as women who have completed these programs have not only launched successful businesses but have also created employment opportunities for others in their communities. Furthermore, these programs have instilled a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment in women, leading to personal and professional transformation.

Recognizing that demonstrating the effectiveness of their programs is pivotal for accountability and sustainability, She4She has made substantial in- vestments in data collection and evaluation. This commitment ensures that the progress of women who participate in their initiatives is tracked and documented, leading to continuous refinement and enhancement of their programs. Additionally, the organization has championed inclusivity by working closely with marginalized groups, tailoring their programs to cater to the specific needs of these communities.

Measuring sustained impact

The impact of the She4She Initiative's programs is both profound and far-reaching. By empowering women with essential skills and knowledge, they have witnessed remarkable transformations in the lives of countless women and their communities. Women who have participated in their entrepreneurship and capacity-building programs have successfully launched businesses, providing not only for themselves but also for their families, but also contributing significantly to local economic growth and stability.

Furthermore, the She4She Initiative's programs have instilled a newfound sense of confidence and self-belief in the women they serve. Many of these women now approach life with greater responsibility and a broader perspective, inspiring others in their communities to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The power of mentorship within their programs has been undeniable, with women who have completed their training often becoming mentors themselves, passing on their knowledge and skills to the subsequent cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Scaling through Partnerships, collaborations, and networking

The She4She Initiative envisions a future where its impact is significantly expanded and reaches a more extensive and diverse array of women. Their primary goal is to scale up their programs to empower at least twice the number of women they currently serve within the next five years. This expansion will encompass areas such as STEM education, digital literacy, and green entrepreneurship to adapt to evolving economic and societal landscapes. Their aspirations extend globally, with the aim of reaching women in underserved regions worldwide, fostering gender equality on a global scale.

Furthermore, the She4She Initiative is committed to becoming a formidable advocate for gender equality and women's rights, both at local and international levels. Their goal is to influence policies, challenge gender stereotypes, and drive systemic change. To ensure that gender equality takes root from a young age, they are committed to youth empowerment, fostering leadership skills and self-confidence among young girls and adolescents.

The She4She Initiative recognizes the importance of partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders in advancing its mission. These collaborations have been instrumental in reaching more women and creating sustainable change. They work closely with local and national government bodies to align their programs with policies and priorities. This not only ensures a supportive regulatory environment but also provides access to resources and infrastructure. Corporate partnerships have been pivotal for economic empowerment programs, with many companies offering funding, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Collaboration with community-based organizations ensures that their programs are culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve. Additionally, they have engaged with local businesses, creating a cycle of economic growth through market access, mentorship, and employment opportunities.

As individuals, corporate bodies, and organizations consider how to support the She4She Initiative, a multitude of avenues beckon. Donations, mentorship, education, advocacy, material donations, raising awareness, training and workshops, scholarships, internships, technology support and volunteering at events are all of these avenues that offer an opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of women and the advancement of gender equality. By engaging in these acts of support, individuals and organizations can play an integral role in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for women and girls around the world.

Fostering a brighter future

As the She4She Initiative envisions a future where women have equal opportunities to lead in every sector, they are actively planning to implement strategies that will facilitate this vision. Leadership training programs tailored for women will equip them with the skills and confidence required to excel in leadership roles. Mentorship and networking events will connect women with established leaders, fostering mentorship relationships that can guide aspiring women. Public awareness campaigns will raise awareness about the importance of women's leadership, highlighting the achievements of women leaders and challenging gender stereotypes.

Today, the She4She Initiative stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women and girls in Nigeria and beyond. With its unwavering commitment to empowering women, addressing gender inequality, and advocating for change, it is driving significant positive change in the lives of countless women. Their programs are not only transforming the economic prospects of women but also nurturing confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. The She4She Initiative is not merely an organization; it is a catalyst for change, inspiring women, and girls to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.