By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, March 28,2025
The SieDi Hub, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has launched the Nwanyibuihe Microcredit Support Initiative for Women Affected by Gender-Based Violence(GBV).
Speaking at the occasion, virtually, in Umuahia, the Executive Director of the NGO, Dr Chinasa Imo, said that the scheme focuses on providing financial independence to women affected by GBV.
The event was organised to commemorate the NGO’s 3rd anniversary and the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerate Action on Women Leadership: A Policy Dialogue”.
The Executive Director said that the initiative was evolved as part of the organisation’s efforts to tackle gender injustice and empower vulnerable women in the society.
Imo also said that the programme, which is supported by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, seeks to amplify the voices of women, especially in rural areas, through leadership training and advocacy.
According to her, the project had been designed to empower women to advocate for themselves, particularly those whose voices are often unheard or completely ignored.
“We decided to have this program to test the effects of creating awareness within communities to raise women’s voices through leadership training.
“The best advocate is you, and that is the kind of empowerment we were transferring through the Nwanyibuihe Community Project,” she said.
Imo said that the project’s first phase, implemented in Oloko and Ariam Communities, highlighted several issues faced by women, particularly the financial difficulties experienced by survivors of GBV.
She said that many of these women lack access to funds, which hinders their ability to break free from abusive situations and improve their economic status.
Imo said that in order to address this gap, the NGO introduced a microcredit scheme aimed at providing financial support to women in various communities.
She said that the scheme offers funding opportunities to help beneficiaries start or boost small businesses, thereby fostering economic independence and resilience.
“This microcredit initiative is focused on helping women affected by GBV to gain a certain level of independence to do things they are supposed to do that have economic implications.
“We are going to go beyond this and make it a regular event.
“The program is seen as a crucial step toward creating a sustainable model for women’s empowerment, with plans to expand its reach to more communities in the days ahead,” Imo said.
In her remark, the Treasurer of the NGO’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Enyioma Ndukwe-Orji, said that the organisation’s mission focuses on improving the quality of life in underserved communities, focusing on women and youths.
Ndukwe-Orji said that the scheme’s launch demonstrates the NGO’s commitment to making a meaningful societal impact through empowerment and sustainable development.
In his speech, the SieDi Hub Data and Policy Analyst, Mr. Jang Charles, highlighted the NGO’s efforts to empower women through community engagements focused on leadership, decision-making, mentorship, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Charles said that the initiative aimed at enhancing GBV prevention and awareness had shown positive results, with 33% of participants reporting policy changes and improved community attitudes toward fighting GBV just weeks after the program.
He emphasised the need for collective action to build an inclusive society where women actively contribute to nation-building.
In his address, the State Coordinator of National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abia, Mr. Victor Orji, described the theme of the event as a call for stronger policies promoting inclusivity, equality, and sustainable development.
Orji expressed the agency’s commitment to raising awareness and advocating for gender equality and social justice, recognising women’s vital roles in governance, community development, and enterprise.
He called for actionable policies to enhance women’s leadership potential and reaffirmed NOA’s dedication to supporting platforms like SieDi-Hub.
He congratulated the NGO on its milestone and expressed hope that the event would inspire impactful solutions for a more inclusive future.
Also, the keynote speaker, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, emphasised the importance of women’s innovative approaches to problem-solving and the need for inclusive policies that dismantle barriers against them.
Akanwa advocated for strengthening policies that provide equal opportunities across various fields, recognising women’s God-given potential.
She further described mentorship from older women to the younger generation as vital for achieving milestones in empowerment and equity.
Akanwa said that ultimately, every woman has a role to play in guiding and inspiring future generations toward success.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women, Dr Maureen Aghaukwa, described the theme as a timely call for a multifaceted approach, including promoting inclusivity, empowerment, education, policy reforms, and combating GBV.
Aghaukwa represented by a senior official of the Ministry, Mrs. Beauty Odikwa, noted that the event contributes significantly to efforts aimed at enhancing women’s status and recognition.
Earlier, the President of Vicar Hope Foundation, Dr Nkechi Ikpeazu, called for collective action towards promoting gender equality through inclusive leadership, combating GBV, empowering women, enhancing education and skills acquisition, and advocating policy reforms.
Ikpeazu represented by a director of the foundation, Prof Kate Ndukauba, urged stakeholders to fully implement the Abia State Gender Policy to ensure women’s voices are heard to create a more equitable and prosperous Abia.
In separate interviews, some beneficiaries of the scheme, Mrs. Peace Chigozie and Mrs. Adanne Christian, thanked the organisation for providing funds to boost their businesses.
They said that the fund had given them hope and would help them grow their businesses, support their families, as well as revive their struggling businesses.
The event featured panel discussions, dance and award presentation.
