The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called on stakeholders to complement Government’s efforts in promoting socio-economic and societal growth through the women empowerment initiatives, asserting that it creates a ripple effect that fosters global advancement when properly harnessed and integrated into communities.
Mrs. Anani made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement aimed at promoting women empowerment initiatives during the launch of “Women Helping Women Vocational Hub” in Benin City, with the theme, “Design Her Future”.
The programme, spearheaded by Women Helping Women, the Office of the Edo State First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Edo State Diaspora Agency, among others, aimed to equip women and girls with creative and entrepreneurial skills at no cost, to promote inclusive growth in the State.
At the ceremony, Mrs. Anani, represented by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betty Okonoboh, commended the organizers for their commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting the Programme’s potential to equip women and girls with creative and entrepreneurial skills to boost employability and promote a spirit of sisterhood.
In her words, “As we gather here today at the launch of the Women Helping Women Vocational Hub, tagged “Design Her Future,” I am reminded of the countless women and girls who yearn for opportunities to unlock their potentials and chart their own course in life. This initiative embodies the spirit of sisterhood and empowerment that we aim to foster in our community.
“By equipping women and girls with creative and entrepreneurial skills through the ‘Design Her Future’ programme, we are enhancing their employability and empowering them to become agents of change. The Women Helping Women Vocational Hub represents a critical step towards achieving our shared vision of a society where every woman and girl can thrive”.
Mrs. Anani reaffirmed her office’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment initiatives, calling on stakeholders to collaborate in promoting causes that empower women to thrive and secure a brighter future.
She further emphasized the need for collective action to create a future where women can design their own destinies, free from poverty, ignorance and exclusion.
In her goodwill message and book review, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Barr. Onomen Briggs, shed light on the pivotal values and skills outlined in the “60 Days WHW Transformational Roadmap”, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, empowerment and sustainability, alongside critical skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, among others as essential components designed to equip women with the tools needed to help themselves and their communities thrive.
On her part, the Founder of Women Helping Women, Prof. Elizabeth Pedro, described the Women Helping Women’s empowerment programme, as one which offers hope, training and mentorship to women, recognizing their inherent value.
She stated that the initiative had gained international recognition, stressing the importance of guiding women to unlock their potential, while advocating for non-judgmental support, especially for young mothers facing challenging circumstances.
Prof. Pedro further reflected on her journey in empowering African women, highlighting her 2019 and 2023 initiatives, noting that, despite initial doubts, she was encouraged by progress, including training 220 women in six skills like auto engineering and pastries, and providing startup cash for their businesses.
Meanwhile, a trainee, Grace Onyan expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that age doesn’t limit potential. She prayed for blessings and knowledge to uplift other women.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Vocational Hub, followed by a tour of the Facility designed to equip women with skills and knowledge.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
R-L: The President, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo; the Director General of Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor; the Chairman of BTVET, Barr. Onomen Briggs; the Chief Protocol Officer, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Mabel Obeto; the Founder of Women Helping Women, Prof. Elizabeth Pedro; the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Betty Okonoboh; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien among others, during the launch of “Women Helping Women Vocational Hub” in Benin City.
