By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Women enrolled in a livelihood support programme in Katsina-Ala and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State have expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen their livelihoods, improve household incomes and work towards greater economic independence.
The 50 beneficiaries, comprising 25 women from each local government area, expressed enthusiasm during orientation sessions organised under the Bridging the Gaps in Women’s Health and Well-being (BtG) Project, implemented by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP).
The project is funded by the Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women and Girls, with technical support from CBM Global Nigeria.
The orientation sessions familiarised participants with the programme’s objectives, implementation process and expectations, while providing guidance on selecting livelihood activities that reflect their skills, interests and available economic opportunities.
Project Manager, Dorcas Nicanor, presented an overview of the initiative, highlighting its focus on improving the well-being and economic resilience of women and girls. She also explained the project timeline and outlined the roles and responsibilities of participants.
Project Officer, Dorcas Iorkusa, introduced the women to the Graduation Approach, a structured model designed to help economically vulnerable individuals develop sustainable livelihoods and gradually achieve financial independence.
Under the programme, participants will receive support to establish or strengthen small businesses suited to their circumstances and local market opportunities. Potential activities include crop and vegetable farming, petty trading, food vending, catering, poultry production and small livestock rearing.
The sessions also provided opportunities for participants to ask questions, seek clarification and gain a better understanding of how the programme’s different components would support their livelihood development.
In addition to economic empowerment, the orientation featured discussions on safeguarding and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), equipping participants with knowledge to recognise abuse, understand their rights and seek assistance when necessary.
Participants were sensitised to different forms of violence and harmful behaviour, including sexual abuse, molestation, emotional abuse and cyberbullying. They were encouraged to recognise warning signs, establish healthy boundaries and develop the confidence to speak out against abuse.
The women were also reminded of their rights to dignity, access to information, freedom to raise concerns and protection from harm, irrespective of age, gender or disability.
As part of the safety guidance, participants were encouraged to identify trusted individuals and safe locations, memorise emergency contact numbers, keep important contacts accessible and familiarise themselves with appropriate reporting channels.
The sessions emphasised the need to create safe and supportive environments where women and girls can report abuse and seek assistance without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
The integration of livelihood support with safeguarding education reflects the BtG Project’s broader approach to addressing the economic and social barriers affecting women and girls.
Through the initiative, GIFSEP and its partners seek to expand access to livelihood opportunities, strengthen protection systems and equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to build more secure futures.
The participants’ appreciation and enthusiasm marked an encouraging start to the next phase of the programme, as they prepare to pursue livelihood activities that can improve their economic circumstances and contribute to the well-being of their households and communities.
