Empowering Women Through Education and Economic Opportunities
The Ogun State Government has made significant strides in empowering women through a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing their financial literacy, business acumen, and overall life skills. Over 33,530 women have been trained and supported across the state under the Ogun State Women Empowerment Scheme, known as Okoowo Dapo. This program has become a cornerstone of social development, focusing on enabling women to take active roles in economic activities and improve their living standards.
A Strategic Approach to Women’s Empowerment
Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted the importance of the scheme during a workshop held in Abeokuta. The event was specifically for 150 newly engaged ward facilitators participating in the third phase of the Okoowo Dapo initiative. According to Adeleye, the program was designed as a strategic social intervention to foster women’s participation in the economy by providing them with essential financial support, capacity-building opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources.
Since its launch in 2022, the scheme has reached thousands of women across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas. It has not only offered tools for self-reliance but also created pathways for women to transform their ideas into successful businesses. Adeleye emphasized that when women are empowered, it leads to stronger communities, thriving households, and a more resilient society.
Expanding Reach and Impact
In the first and second phases of the project, a total of 430 ward facilitators were engaged to establish and strengthen Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) throughout the communities. These efforts resulted in the formation of 1,616 WAGs, which include 33,530 women beneficiaries. Each participant received training and re-training programs focused on financial education, business skills, gender issues, and life skills. The impact of these initiatives has been widely recognized, with numerous testimonials from across the state highlighting how the program has improved the livelihoods of women and their families.
Adeleye noted that the third phase of the project aims to expand this reach further. The 150 newly engaged ward facilitators are expected to form 770 WAGs, which will include 20,000 women beneficiaries within the project’s timeframe. This expansion is a critical step in ensuring that more women have access to the resources and knowledge they need to succeed.
Key Components of the Program
The Okoowo Dapo initiative includes several key components designed to support women in multiple ways:
- Financial Education: Teaching women how to manage money, save effectively, and invest wisely.
- Business Skills: Providing training on starting and managing small businesses, including marketing and customer service.
- Gender and Life Skills: Addressing issues related to gender equality and equipping women with essential life skills such as communication, decision-making, and leadership.
These elements work together to create a holistic approach to empowerment, ensuring that women are not only financially independent but also socially and emotionally resilient.
A Path Forward
The success of the Okoowo Dapo initiative underscores the importance of investing in women’s development as a means of driving broader societal progress. By focusing on education, economic opportunities, and community engagement, the program sets a strong foundation for sustainable growth. As the initiative continues to expand, it is expected to bring even greater benefits to women and their families across Ogun State.
