In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), has empowered 100 community women in Eti Osa, Lagos State.
The VCDF said the empowerment which took place recently is to take the women through the transformative journey aimed at protecting them against sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
According to the VCDF: “Women as the pillars of the society are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.”
While lauding VCDF and SEEPCO for the initiative, Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), said when women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them.
Mrs Bello said the programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, while also providing a safe space for them to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.
Distinguished guests present at the event were Chief Mrs. Wasilat
Eletu-Odibo, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.
Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo in her remarks said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”
Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark that “training community women will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”
This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.
She urged VCDF to continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life.
“Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all,” she said.