In a region scarred by conflict, poverty, and displacement, women are not only surviving — they are rising. Through economic empowerment, they are becoming business owners, community leaders, and changemakers. At Wahatana Empowerment Initiative (WEI), we are proud to walk alongside them on this journey toward independence and dignity.

Why Economic Empowerment Matters in Crisis Zones

Northeastern Nigeria has long been plagued by the devastating effects of insurgency and instability. Families are displaced, jobs are lost, and traditional sources of income are wiped out. Women, often left as sole providers, bear the brunt of these crises — yet they are also the key to rebuilding communities.

When women are given the tools to succeed, they lift not just themselves but their families and entire neighborhoods. That’s why WEI places economic empowerment at the center of our mission to restore hope and promote sustainable development.

How WEI’s DVSLA Program is Changing the Game

To break the cycle of poverty, WEI developed an innovative solution: Digital Village Savings and Loan Associations (DVSLA). This program allows women to pool savings, access microloans, and grow their businesses — all through digital platforms that promote transparency, security, and accessibility.

With just a mobile phone and a little training, women can take control of their finances, plan for the future, and build collective strength with other members of their group. It’s not just about money — it’s about agency, confidence, and long-term resilience.

Real Stories: From Survival to Self-Reliance

Take the story of Amina, a widowed mother of three from Yola North. After joining a WEI skills training program, she received a seed grant to launch her soap-making business. Today, she earns enough to feed her children, send them to school, and even train other women in her community.

She’s not alone. Through our “She Feeds the Nation” initiative, over 1,800 women have received business development support and cash grants, enabling them to transform their lives from the ground up.

The Ripple Effect: Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities

When a woman becomes economically independent, the impact is immediate and far-reaching:

• Children stay in school longer.

• Families have better access to nutrition and healthcare.

• Communities become safer, stronger, and more inclusive.

• Gender-based violence and dependency decrease.

Economic empowerment is more than a program — it’s a movement.