No fewer than 50 women in Kano State have recorded significant economic and personal transformation following their participation in an eight-month empowerment programme under the Women Against Violence Empowered Through Sustainability (WAVES) project.
The beneficiaries, drawn from different communities, shared testimonies of improved livelihoods, increased income, and enhanced self-reliance at a showcase organised by Bridge Connect Africa Initiative in Kano(BCAI).
According to a statement signed by BCAI's executive director, Sani Mohammed, the event marked the culmination of intensive training in violence resilience, climate-smart agriculture, mentorship, and business development targeted at women agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke during the programme, highlighted how the initiative had reshaped their lives and businesses.
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A participant from Bichi Local Government Area, Mardiyya, said she had transitioned from struggling to sell goods through street hawking to owning a more stable and structured business.
"I used to hawk from market to market to find buyers for my petty business, but now I have an established business," she said.
Another beneficiary, Alawiyya, disclosed that she now owns a cucumber farm, describing herself as the only woman in her community engaged in such venture.
She attributed her success to the training and support received under the WAVES project.
The showcase featured exhibitions of products and services from the women-led businesses, reflecting skills acquired in climate-smart agriculture and enterprise development.
Participants also engaged potential investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for partnerships and business expansion.
Panel discussions at the event provided further insights into the beneficiaries' experiences, focusing on growth, income generation, and personal development.
Speaking at the event, representatives of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative said the programme was designed to equip women with practical skills and support systems needed to thrive in agribusiness.
Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Special Needs and Children, Amina Abdullahi, called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to sustain women empowerment initiatives.
She noted that strengthening women's access to education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship would help reduce gender-based violence and promote inclusive economic growth.
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