The Rotary Club of Abuja Guarimpa, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barcelona Pedralbes, has empowered 500 women in Guarimpa, FCT, through a skill acquisition project designed to enhance livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
As part of the club’s Global Grants program, an empowerment center was established at LEA Primary School, Guarimpa, offering training in tailoring, baking, liquid soap making, and other income-generating skills. The center also serves as a shared facility for women and schoolchildren, fostering community collaboration.
President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Guarimpa, Rotarian Obiola Elekwe, emphasized the importance of the project during the event.
“This initiative represents the second phase of our capacity-building and empowerment training for the women of Gwarinpa. Through a global grant secured three years ago, we’ve acquired equipment and provided training to reduce dependence and foster self-reliance,” he said.
Elekwe noted Rotary’s global presence, with over 40 clubs in Abuja alone, focusing on areas like economic empowerment, water and sanitation, environmental protection, peacebuilding, and disease prevention.
He urged the government to partner with Rotary to expand such initiatives and ensure more families benefit from life-changing opportunities.
Woman Leader of Gwarimpa Village and the Apo Naje Women’s Association, Hadija Jaramusa praised the Rotarians for their consistent support.
She acknowledged contributions like water provision, business training, and the establishment of a productive tailoring center supporting both women and schoolchildren.
“Our association, ‘Aenaje Aponaje,’ meaning ‘Start Together and End Well,’ has flourished thanks to the Rotarians’ support,” Jaramusa said.
She called on the government to collaborate with NGOs to ensure resources reach grassroots communities without bureaucratic delays.
Under the leadership of past Rotary presidents and in collaboration with the women’s cooperative, the club continues to uplift the community, setting a model for impactful grassroots empowerment.
Assistant Governor for District 9127 and Global Grants Committee Chairperson for the Rotary Club of Abuja Guarimpa, Rotarian Constance Okeke, spoke about the project’s significance.
“This project was made possible with support from the Rotary Club of Pedralbes in Spain. The grant has allowed us to expand the center, directly impacting the lives of 500 women,” Okeke said.
The center is equipped with sewing machines, soap-making tools, and grinding machines, tailored to meet the women’s needs. Trainings on bookkeeping, business management, branding, packaging, and marketing are also being provided to ensure the women can effectively market their products.
Okeke highlighted the broader community impact, noting that young girls from LEA Primary School are also benefiting from the skill acquisition programs.
“Having the center within a school environment opens entrepreneurship opportunities for young girls, preparing them for alternative sources of livelihood,” she added.
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