A Non Governmental Organization, named Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI), a non-governmental organisation, has commenced the implementation of a five-year Renewed Women’s Voices and Leadership Project in three Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
Speaking during the project implementation on Thursday, FAWOYDI Project Officer, Ms. Mother Yanga, said the initiative is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with FAWOYDI.
Yanga explained that the project is designed to empower women and adolescent girls through financial literacy training, entrepreneurship development, and support for existing and start-up businesses.
According to her, beneficiaries will participate in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), which will help strengthen their economic capacity and improve their livelihoods.
She said implementation began with stakeholders’ sensitisation meetings involving community and religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and male advocates to ensure community ownership and project success.
The project has already conducted sensitisation activities in eight communities across the three participating LGAs of Bauchi, Ganjuwa and Alkaleri, namely Rishi, Township, Gar, Kafin Madaki, Soro, Miya, Baban Buka and Gwallagan Mayaka.
Yanga noted that inclusivity remains central to the project, with deliberate efforts to involve adolescent girls to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
She expressed satisfaction with the positive reception the initiative has received across the communities and said the project would continue to strengthen existing Village Savings and Loan Associations while creating opportunities for new participants.
She added that the project is committed to ensuring that no woman is left behind, with special attention given to structurally excluded groups such as women living with disabilities, elderly women, adolescent girls, widows, divorced women and commercial sex workers.
According to her, the initiative aims to enhance women’s participation in leadership, improve their economic opportunities and strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to community development.
