From Lagos, to Imo, and now to Benue, Spaces for Change | S4C is delighted to launch the WOMENPOWA Economic Empowerment Initiative for 130 displaced women and local farmers in Guma and Gwer West local government areas of Benue State. Currently implemented under the People-Centered Public Safety (PCPS) project supported by Open Society Foundations, attendees at the flag-off ceremony held in Benue on February 25 included traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, PCPS civil society partners, media, beneficiaries and representatives from Open Society Foundation.
WOMENPOWA builds on S4C’s prior implementation in Lagos and Imo States where the initiative supported women-led micro-enterprises and vulnerable entrepreneurs affected by displacement resulting from urban renewal processes and extractive activities. In those contexts, economic disruption had similarly weakened stability and increased vulnerability. Beneficiaries in Lagos and Imo demonstrated strong repayment discipline, reinvestment into productive activities, and measurable improvements in household income stability. The majority sustained or expanded their businesses following WOMENPOWA support, contributing to greater economic self-reliance and reduced vulnerability to gender-based and intimate-partner violence, crime and economic instability.
The Benue rollout adapts this tested model to a post-conflict context, placing stronger emphasis on livelihoods, community anchoring, and stabilization. In Benue, the WOMENPOWA initiative targeted mostly female farmers and petty traders displaced by violence. It provided small scale zero-interest revolving loans to boost their existing small businesses, thus providing economic relief and stability in the communities. At the flag-off ceremony, all the project beneficiaries and their family members, community leaders, religious institutions and children thronged the venue to share their experiences and the impact of the initiative. From the stories told and the emotions that poured freely, WOMENPOWA symbolizes resilience-building and economic restructuring in communities affected by displacement, insecurity and economic hardship.
Numerous speakers emphasized that women are cornerstones of the household. Hence, empowered women contribute to progressive households. It is against this backdrop that the WOMENPOWA Initiative aims to enhance public safety through economic empowerment for Benue women. Safer and prosperous communities emerge when household incomes are stabilized, fostering restitution and minimizing social vices in the communities.
One of the main highlights of the flag off ceremony was the panel session where project beneficiaries shared their personal experiences since the loan was disbursed under the PCPS project. From the experiences shared, the initiative has not only restored traditional livelihoods destroyed by conflict conflicts but also opened new channels to avoid communal crisis and unrest. Young women vulnerable to sexual exploitation are now busy in their mothers’ farms or shops. Young men prone to drug abuse are now engaging in farming. Husbands notorious for drinking and wandering are now supporting their wives in their booming businesses. Wives are now contributing to household income and even paying children’s school fees. Women are now rediscovering their voice and power in their homes and communities.
Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of the WOMENPOWA initiative. S4C clarified that WOMENPOWA is designed with sustainability in mind. First, the initiative targets only women with existing businesses. That way, resources are channeled directly into the business to expand reach and scale. Second, the initiative revolves around women in the community, moving from woman to woman, ensuring that no one is left behind. Thirdly, women don’t just receive economic support. They also benefit from financial literacy programs which equip them with the skills to manage money and debts, make informed financial decisions and build wealth. Finally, the project is overseen by community coordinators saddled with the responsibility of overseeing that the beneficiaries utilize the funds for exactly the purposes given.
Representatives of Open Society Foundation noted that the flag-off ceremony was indeed as eyeopener. From the testimonies shared, it is certain that when a woman is empowered, it reduces insecurity and violence by empowering her to make valuable choices that promote safety in her household. Empowering women financially is not just the ability to meet ends meet, but also to make safe decisions without worries or financial constraints. When a woman is not faced with economic crisis, it enables her to focus on other aspects in her life and for her, that is safety.
The project received robust endorsements from traditional rulers, religious leaders and government delegates at the event. Overall, the WOMEPOWA initiative was well received and appreciated as a public safety initiative in Benue State. Through cultural songs and dance performances, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Spaces for Change, and the project supporters, Open Society Foundations. As the local songs echoed, WOMENPOWA is, indeed, an opportunity to rise again!
