Empowering Women Through Practical Skills Development in Adamawa State
In 2021, Wahatana Empowerment Initiative (WEI) implemented a Women Skill Acquisition Training Program designed to empower vulnerable women and young girls with practical, income-generating skills.
The initiative aimed to reduce poverty, promote economic independence, and strengthen household resilience through hands-on vocational training.
Project Overview
The Skill Acquisition Training focused on equipping women with marketable skills that require low startup capital and offer immediate income opportunities.
Training Areas Included:
• Catering & Small Chops Production
• Detergent & Liquid Soap Making
• Bead Making
• Makeup Artistry
These skills were carefully selected based on:
✅ Local market demand
✅ Profitability potential
✅ Ease of startup
✅ Sustainability within local communities
Project Rationale
Many women in Adamawa State face limited access to formal employment opportunities due to:
● Low educational attainment
● Poverty
● Gender inequality
● Limited access to capital
This training program was developed to bridge that gap by providing practical, hands-on skills that enable women to start small businesses from home.
By investing in women’s economic empowerment, WEI aimed to:
● Increase household income
● Reduce dependency
● Promote financial inclusion
● Enhance community development
Implementation Approach
The training sessions were conducted through practical demonstrations and interactive participation to ensure:
✔ Skill mastery
✔ Confidence building
✔ Entrepreneurial readiness
Participants were trained by experienced facilitators and given step-by-step guidance on production techniques, hygiene standards, and basic business practices.
Activities Conducted
• Mobilization and registration of women participants
• Hands-on practical sessions across all skill areas
• Demonstration of production processes
• Basic entrepreneurship guidance
• Participant engagement and mentoring
Each session emphasized practical learning to ensure participants could independently replicate the skills after the training.
Outcomes & Impact
The 2021 Skill Acquisition Training Project achieved the following:
✔ Improved economic opportunities for participating women
✔ Increased confidence and self-reliance
✔ Enhanced entrepreneurial skills
✔ Strengthened community support networks
Many participants expressed readiness to start small-scale businesses in:
● Catering services
● Beauty and makeup services
● Detergent production
● Handmade accessories production
The project contributed to improved financial stability at the household level and reinforced the importance of women’s economic participation.
Long-Term Significance
This initiative supports broader development goals, including:
● Women’s economic empowerment
● Poverty reduction
● Local enterprise development
● Community resilience
By equipping women with practical and market-driven skills, WEI continues to foster sustainable livelihood opportunities across Adamawa State.
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