In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, tagged, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Spaces for Change | S4C extended its flagship WOMENPOWA Initiative to 20 low-income women living in environmentally-impacted communities in Imo State. Originally, WOMENPOWA zero-interest rotating loans have boosted the small businesses of low-income women displaced by forced evictions and state-ordered demolitions in Lagos informal communities. Extending the initiative to Imo State forms part of a broader strategy to reach more women in marginalized communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria impacted or displaced by extractive projects.
Women in resource-rich, but environmentally impacted communities like Assa, Ohaji-Egbema, Imo State, have for too long borne the brunt of economic marginalization, environmental degradation, and limited access to financial resources. Despite these challenges, they remain resilient pillars in their families and communities. That is why the flag-off ceremony of the WOMEN POWA Initiative was greeted with widespread enthusiasm and thunderous celebrations across Assa communities. 20 low-income women involved in petty trading in the oil and gas-impacted communities received zero-interest loan of ₦50,000 to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic stability in their homes and communities.
At the flag-off ceremony held on March at Assa Town School Field, 140 people thronged the venue comprising traditional rulers, the village prime minister, traditional cabinet members, women leaders, market women, farmers, youth representatives, and representatives from civil society and legal advocacy groups. The first batch of 20 women-beneficiaries were drawn from five villages in Assa namely; Obosa, Idegele, Awoma, Umuobi, and Umugama, ensuring fair representation across the community. The rotating approach to disbursement guarantees that after four months, another batch of 20 beneficiaries will have access to the fund, fostering a sustainable cycle of empowerment within the same communities.
In her opening remarks, Her Royal Highness, Ugoeze Juliana Assor, underscored the importance of investing in women as a means of strengthening families and communities. Her husband, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Assor, reechoed this sentiment, expressing deep appreciation for S4C’s support to Assa women and prayed for the success of the program. Goodwill messages poured in from key stakeholders such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Imo State, CARA Development Foundation, African Women Lawyers’ Association and disability rights groups. Reinforcing the intersection between economic empowerment and social justice, they highlighted the importance of providing women with access to financial resources, education, legal rights awareness, sustainable agricultural training, and inclusive education for girls as key pathways to strengthening women’s roles in society.
The Vice President of the Lagos-based Community Alliance against Displacement (CAD) underscored the broader impact of economic empowerment on social stability, stressing that financial independence can help reduce domestic violence and ensure women’s active participation in community decision-making. She also shared success stories from the WOMENPOWA initiatives in Lagos, inspiring hope that the model would yield transformative results in Imo State. Agreeing with CAD, S4C’s executive director emphasized that economic justice is central to gender equality. “Economic empowerment is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity”, she said.
The event ended with the official unveiling of the WOMENPOWA Initiative and decoration of the first 20 beneficiaries. Words of encouragement from all stakeholders urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely so that the initiative could be sustained for future batches of women. Community leaders appealed for continued engagement with S4C to raise awareness on women’s rights, environmental rights, and advanced farming techniques.
The IWD 2025 global theme underscores the vital role of investing in women to drive social and economic transformation. S4C’s WOMENPOWA initiative aligns with this global theme by fostering financial independence and resilience among women in environmentally impacted communities. The launch of the WOMENPOWA Initiative in Assa is a significant step toward closing the gender gap in economic participation. By investing in women, S4C is not just changing individual lives but reshaping the economic landscape in Imo rural communities.
