csrreporters 
In a strategic effort to foster women empowerment through women’s economic independence at the grassroots level, Tasth Foundation, in collaboration with the Aisha Achimugu Foundation and the Rachel Owan Enoh Empowerment and Care Foundation, has successfully trained 50 women in Lugbe, Abuja, in various vocational skills. This initiative is a significant step toward equipping women with the tools needed to achieve financial stability and self-reliance.
The women received hands-on training in soap and Vaseline making, lip gloss production, Ankara bag and shoe making, as well as makeup artistry. These skill sets are designed to create sustainable income streams and improve the economic standing of participants within their communities.
Speaking at the event, Rachel Owan Enoh, President and CEO of the Rachel Owan Enoh Empowerment & Care Foundation, emphasized the critical role women play in economic development and poverty alleviation.
Read also: China, Nigeria Pledge to Advance Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
“Women are the backbone of every thriving society. When we empower them, we uplift families, communities, and the nation at large. This initiative is about more than just training—it’s about transforming lives and breaking cycles of poverty,” Enoh stated.
She highlighted the financial struggles faced by many women, including those who are married but lack financial independence.
“A financially dependent woman carries a heavy burden. That’s why we came together to train these women, offering them an opportunity to learn and earn through practical skills,” she added.
To ensure the women can apply their new skills effectively, Enoh announced that participants would receive start-up kits, giving them the initial resources needed to launch their businesses.
“For those learning lip gloss production, for example, we will provide the necessary materials to get started. Financial support will also be extended to ensure they have a strong foundation,” she explained.
Enoh further emphasized the importance of commitment, urging the women to take the training seriously.
“This is not just about attending a workshop. If you don’t pay attention, you won’t gain the knowledge needed to succeed. We are giving them the tools, but they must use them wisely to secure their future,” she stressed.
Looking ahead, Enoh revealed plans to expand the initiative beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to reach more women across Nigeria.
“We are not stopping in Abuja. Our goal is to extend this program to multiple states, impacting women and children across the country,” she noted.
Rosemary Etta Abuta, Founder of Tasth Foundation, underscored the foundation’s dedication to youth empowerment and social development.
“Our work goes beyond vocational training. We also run programs like ‘First Impression Boutique,’ which provides decent clothing for vulnerable youths. Additionally, we are currently sponsoring six girls through university at institutions such as the University of Calabar, University of Abuja, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,” she said.
Abuta stressed the importance of financial independence, stating, “In just three months, we expect to see these women using their newly acquired skills to generate income. This initiative is designed to yield immediate and tangible results.”
Kiema Ogunlana, Program Director of the Aisha Achimugu Foundation, described the Women Empowerment Initiative 2025 – Abuja Edition as the first of its kind at this scale.
“This program provides a unique opportunity for women, especially those at risk, to become self-sufficient. Instead of relying on handouts, we are imparting practical skills that they can use to build sustainable businesses,” she explained.
Ogunlana emphasized the long-term benefits of the initiative, urging participants to pay it forward by sharing their knowledge with others in their communities.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a generation. We must shift from being a consuming nation to a producing one, and women are key players in this transformation,” she added.
Addressing the rising poverty levels and the culture of seeking quick wealth, Ogunlana called for a return to the dignity of labor.
“There is too much hunger in the land, and our value system is eroding. Everyone wants quick money, but we need to restore the pride of earning through hard work and skill,” she said.
The NGOs reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring the progress of the women over the next three months, with further empowerment opportunities planned for those who demonstrate dedication and success in their fields.
This initiative stands as a beacon of hope for women in vulnerable communities, equipping them with valuable skills, financial independence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to national development. Through collaborations like this, Nigeria moves closer to a future where women are not just beneficiaries of economic programs but active participants in driving sustainable growth.