Agnes Williams
In a heartwarming initiative, Chadash empowerment foundation has empowered 250 widows with essential items of 46 sowing machine, 21 air Dryers, 14 makeup boxes and Quarter Bags of Rice to enable the widows to develop vocational skills, start their own tailoring businesses, support their personal grooming and potential beauty-related entrepreneurial ventures and to enhance their skills in makeup artistry and potentially start their own makeup businesses.
The initiative which aims to provide the widows with the tools and resources they need to become self-sufficient and support themselves and their families.
In an interview with Temitope Adeola the founder of Chadash empowerment foundation said by providing these essential items, Chadash is helping to empower the widows and improve their overall well-being.
Adeola emphasized the importance of supporting these women to have a brighter future. Many have lost hope after losing their husbands, and societal pressures often leave them stripped of their assets and without basic training.
According to her, "As a foundation, we've focused on empowering widows, particularly those without skills or formal education. We believe that by providing vocational training and support, they can rebuild their lives.
"We've been running this program for four years, and it's heartening to see the impact. We've trained 250 widows so far - 100 in Abuja under AMAC district and 150 in Ogun State's Ilaro. Our training programs include hairdressing, sewing, leather work, agricultural value chain, and tailoring.
"Our plan is to expand to more communities, providing empowerment kits, startup cash, and equipment to help them start their own businesses. We aim to increase our reach from 250 to 500 widows next year. Each beneficiary will receive a token of N20,000 and essential equipment to get started. Our goal is to continue this initiative annually, empowering more widows and helping them regain their independence."
Mrs Janet Jiya, the wife of sen Peter jiya representing Niger South senitorial district who represented the wives of Senator association of Nigeria commended Chadash Empowerment Foundation for its commendable project to empower widows, a group often marginalized in our society.
"This initiative is truly laudable and deserves replication nationwide. The foundation has not only provided training but also empowered these women with tools and cash, giving them a chance to start anew.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize these resources effectively, multiply the impact in their communities, and return next year with tangible evidence of their progress. This will demonstrate the value added to their lives and show that they are worth the investment.
One of the beneficiaries, Freeman Oyinade Rebecca a 28 years old, said she married in 2012, and had four kids - three girls and one boy, saying her husband passed away on June 19th, 2023, after a battle with liver disease and cancer.
She said, "since then, it's been challenging, especially with the current economic situation in our country. As a strong woman, I've had to find ways to survive and provide for my children.
She appreciated Chadash Empowerment Foundation's support, saying they've not only provided skills training but also encouragement.
"With the skills and empowerment I've received, I plan to start my own business and use it to support my family. I want to pass on this independence to my children, so they can learn from it and become self-sufficient. I'm grateful for this opportunity".
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