By Angela Atabo
Women in Abuja have been empowered with practical skills and knowledge aimed at promoting independence and leadership during a training programme organised by the Connect Network Foundation for participants.
Dr Victoria Ogwuche, Global President and Founder of the foundation, said the training, themed “Give to Gain,” was organised in partnership with the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development and other supporting partners.
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Ogwuche said the empowerment programme, held on Monday in Abuja to mark activities around International Women’s Day, equipped women with skills in balloon artistry, bridal hand fan and earrings making, videography, photography and content creation.
Speaking on “Pursuing Your Purpose and Creating Impact as a Woman,” Ogwuche urged participants to embrace their purpose and transform societal expectations into opportunities that could inspire change and meaningful contributions.
She said that the world many women were prepared for during their schooling had evolved significantly, stressing that new realities now demanded different skills, resilience and creativity to remain relevant and impactful.
According to her, the training aimed to expose women to modern opportunities and practical tools capable of transforming their lives while enabling them to positively influence their families and future generations.
Ogwuche encouraged participants not to underestimate the knowledge gained, noting that the training was offered free to ensure that women from different backgrounds could access opportunities to learn.
She also reflected on societal expectations placed on girls from childhood, explaining that such pressures should not discourage women but rather motivate them to become leaders and changemakers.
Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development, Asebe Bashir, described the initiative as timely and impactful for advancing women’s empowerment and development across communities.
Represented by Director of Finance and Accounts, Fakoya Olawale, Bashir said the training theme “Give to Gain” reflected the centre’s commitment to strengthening women’s skills and opportunities nationwide.
Also speaking, representative of DoGood Foundation for Widows and Needy, Abubakar Khalifa, said empowering women strengthened families and communities, noting that women remained the bedrock of national development.
Another partner, Joy Umogbia of the Umogbia Foundation, who emphasised collaboration among women, explained that collective action helped built support systems, expanded networks and amplified women’s voices.
In her remarks, Mary Ebere, founder of the Social Care Initiative for Families and Children, urged women to remain prepared and bold in seizing opportunities whenever they arose.
One beneficiary, Esther Tadi, commended the foundation, noting that it supported her education through a scholarship at City Polytechnic and provided valuable training opportunities.
Another beneficiary, Endurance Oyome, said the programme helped her developed skills that would enable financial independence and empower her to support other women in her community.(NAN)
