Nigeria: In Nigeria, Vulnerable Women and Girls Go From Survivors of Violence to Business Owners

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Despite making half of the population, women in Nigeria continue to be under-represented in political positions and businesses, with only 20 per cent of enterprises owned by women. To close this gap, women must be able to access skills training, knowledge and funding to start small businesses that sustain their livelihoods.

Spotlight Initiative, through UNDP, has been providing support to women to start their own businesses, with a particular focus on women living with disabilities. Globally, women and girls with disabilities are atthan other women to experience violence. An independent income can give women greater control over their lives and help to reduce that vulnerability.

By mid-2023, more than 288 vulnerable women and girls who are survivors of gender-based violence had graduated from the livelihood pathway integration programmes in Abuja and Lagos.Happiness, 18, was orphaned at the age of 14 when her mother passed away. Following her mother's death, she fled her hometown of Kaduna to avoid being married to a much older man by her uncles.

"That was a difficult time for me; I was going through a lot of traumas, and I was depressed," says Happiness."I've always wanted to learn how to sew. I am grateful for the training because it allowed me to channel my attention away from other concerns. Whenever I am sewing on the machine, I am always happy," she says.

Iyabo is a single mother of two young daughters with sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin. Unable to pay for their healthcare, Iyabo sought help from the National Human Rights Commission to help her meet her children's needs. The NHRC provided her with the opportunity to complete livelihood training.

 

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