By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The Women Voice and Leadership Project, aimed at enhancing women’s influence in economic, social, educational, and health sectors, is a five-year initiative sponsored by Action Aid Nigeria through the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) is implementing the project in Dass, Darazo, Ningi, and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi state.
FOMWAN’s thematic focus on women empowerment and education drives its involvement in the project, leading to the empowerment of women with basic literacy skills to uplift their status.
Under this project, 291 women from Village Savings and Loans groups were trained in literacy and graduated by FOMWAN.
They were officially certified by the Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education (BASAME) after successfully passing prescribed examinations.
welcome address, Hajiya Habiba Usman, the Bauchi state Amira of FOMWAN, highlighted that the graduands were not only trained in basic literacy but also received instruction on loans and savings scheme models.
She urged them not to relent in utilizing the business opportunities provided to them judiciously and encouraged them to empower others in society who are less privileged.
The pioneer Women Voice and Leadership Lead and former Amira of FOMWAN, Hajiya Aishatu Kilisha, provided insights into the success of the WORTH model of Village Savings and Loans.
Kilishi added that the model, learned from other countries like Tanzania, Namibia, and Kenya, yielded positive results after impl
Hajiya Aishatu Kilisha mentioned that the project also includes orientation sessions for beneficiaries, where facilitators address challenges related to health, marital issues, and religious activities.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Agency for Mass Education, Fahimta Women and Youth Development, Rahama, and Ashh Foundation expressed delight in partnering with FOMWAN in this initiative, pledging commitment to sustaining the momentum of the crusade.
In their testimonies, Esther Idi from Tafawa Balewa local government, Ramatu Aliyu from Bagel in Dass local government, and Kaltume Babayo from Darazo local government commended FOMWAN for the economic and educational empowerment they received through the project.
The district head of Bauchi, Alhaji Nuru Adamu Jumba, represented at the event by Dan Kaden Bauchi Alhaji Zailani Muhammad, offered royal encouragement to the graduands, and appealed to FOMWAN to extend the program to benefit more people. program to benefit more people.