Foundation empowers market women in Ibadan

In a groundbreaking move, the Enterprise, Growth and Opportunities (EGO) Foundation expanded its SheEnabled Project to Oje Market, Ibadan, Oyo State. The initiative was sponsored by Access Bank.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, marked the fifth phase of the SheEnabled Project, a dynamic effort dedicated to alleviating poverty and empowering women through financial inclusion and digital literacy.

The project’s comprehensive approach includes tailored training programmes, mentorship, and collaborative partnerships aimed at bridging the gender gap and fostering economic independence in underserved communities.

As part of this phase, free eye tests were conducted, providing beneficiaries with drugs and reading glasses to address eye defects, ensuring a holistic intervention for the women involved.

Following its recent implementation in Yaba, Lagos, the SheEnabled Project continues to make strides, engaging with over 1,500 market women in Oje Market, Ibadan.

The collaboration with Worden HCD, the Oyo State Government, and sponsorship by Access Bank underscores a concerted effort to uplift market women economically while promoting environmental sustainability.

With the support of 50 volunteers, the EGO Foundation team conducted sensitisation sessions covering financial inclusion, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability, reaching women from diverse backgrounds.

Over 200 market women actively participated in outdoor training sessions, focusing on crucial topics such as cyber security, social media marketing, bookkeeping, savings for investment, financial management, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability.

In a significant move, the project provided each participant with a book keeping pamphlet to enhance their business practices and financial acumen. Over 200 women underwent eye tests, with approximately 120 requiring glasses or medication.

Reflecting on this expansion, Toluwase Olaniyan, Founder of the EGO Foundation, emphasised the commitment to reaching and uplifting women in diverse communities. The collaboration with the Oyo State Government and Access Bank’s support allowed for a meaningful impact in a region where such initiatives were unprecedented.

“Witnessing the enthusiasm and engagement of the market women reaffirms the transformative power of financial education and inclusion,” he said.

The Iyaloja General of Oyo State expressed gratitude for the holistic intervention, emphasising the importance of embracing environmental sustainability in her closing remarks.

Building on the success in Oje Market, the Foundation looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders and sponsors to replicate and expand similar initiatives, empowering women in more communities.

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