Economic Empowerment

In the aftermath of conflict and displacement, the loss of income and stability leaves women and families vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, and long-term dependency. At Wahatana Empowerment Initiative (WEI), we believe that empowering women economically is not just relief — it’s recovery. It’s the foundation for resilience, dignity, and generational change.

In northeastern Nigeria, many women — especially widows, displaced mothers, and survivors of gender-based violence — have lost their livelihoods due to insurgency and instability. With limited access to education, financial services, or vocational skills, the cycle of poverty becomes deeply entrenched.

According to national estimates:

Over 70% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region are women and children.
More than 60% of women in conflict-affected areas report having no stable source of income.
Financial exclusion rates for rural women remain among the highest in Nigeria.

This economic insecurity doesn’t just affect individual households — it impacts entire communities and impedes regional recovery.

Our Response: Building Economic Resilience

WEI is tackling poverty at its roots through community-driven, inclusive, and tech-enabled empowerment programs that support women in rebuilding their lives and becoming agents of change in their communities.

What We’re Doing

✅ Skills Training & Livelihood Support

We offer practical, hands-on training in vocations such as tailoring, soap making, agribusiness, and petty trading — giving women marketable skills to start or grow microenterprises.

✅ Seed Grants & Start-Up Capital

Graduates of our training programs receive non-refundable seed grants to launch their small businesses. We also provide ongoing coaching to ensure sustainability and growth.

💼 1,800+ women empowered through the She Feeds the Nation program with cash grants and business development support.

✅ Digital Village Savings and Loan Associations (DVSLA)

We’ve introduced Digital VSLA platforms to help women pool savings, access loans, and grow their businesses safely and efficiently. These digital tools increase transparency and financial inclusion, especially in remote or insecure areas.

✅ Financial Literacy & Business Mentorship

Through our workshops and mentoring networks, we build women’s confidence in budgeting, saving, marketing, and digital finance. We also promote peer-to-peer learning and group accountability.

✅ Inclusive Economic Policies & Advocacy

WEI engages with policymakers to promote gender-sensitive economic policies and remove structural barriers that prevent women from accessing credit, land, or markets.

Our Approach: People-Centered & Scalable

We don’t apply one-size-fits-all solutions. Our approach is built on:

Listening first – We assess the needs, skills, and aspirations of women before designing interventions.
Community ownership – We engage local leaders and women’s groups to co-create and lead the initiatives.
Tech for transparency – We use digital platforms and mobile tools to improve access, accountability, and reach.
Sustainability focus – Every woman we empower today becomes a catalyst for long-term change in her family and community.