The Enterprise, Growth and Opportunities (EGO) Foundation through its ‘SheEnabled Project’, empowered over 1,500 market women in Oje Market, Ibadan, Oyo State. This was in the bid to bridge the gender gap and foster economic independence in underserved communities and an expansion of the program from Lagos State to other parts of the country.
This initiative, sponsored by Access Bank and held in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, marked the fifth phase of the SheEnabled Project, a dynamic effort dedicated to alleviating poverty and empowering women through financial inclusion and digital literacy.
The project’s approach includes tailored training programs, mentorship, and collaborative partnerships. As part of this phase, free eye tests were conducted, providing beneficiaries with drugs and reading glasses to address eye defects, ensuring a holistic intervention for the women involved.
Reflecting on this expansion, Toluwase Olaniyan, Founder of the EGO Foundation, emphasised the commitment to reaching and uplifting women in diverse communities. The collaboration with the Oyo State Government and Access Bank’s support allowed for a meaningful impact in a region where such initiatives were unprecedented.
“Witnessing the enthusiasm and engagement of the market women reaffirms the transformative power of financial education and inclusion.” he said.
The Iyaloja General of Oyo State expressed gratitude for the holistic intervention, emphasizing the importance of embracing environmental sustainability in her closing remarks.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Worden HCD, the Oyo State Government, and sponsorship by Access Bank underscores an effort to uplift market women economically while promoting environmental sustainability.
Read also: Foundation trains 200 women in vocational, tech skills
With the support of 50 volunteers, the EGO Foundation team conducted sensitisation sessions covering financial inclusion, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability, reaching women from diverse backgrounds. Over 200 market women actively participated in outdoor training sessions, focusing on crucial topics such as cyber security, social media marketing, bookkeeping, savings for investment, financial management, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability.
Also, the project provided each participant with a bookkeeping pamphlet to enhance their business practices and financial acumen. Over 200 women underwent eye tests, with approximately 120 requiring glasses or medication.
Building on the success in Oje Market, the Foundation looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders and sponsors to replicate and expand similar initiatives, empowering women in more communities.
