170 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, others, to receive grant in Yobe

Approximately 170 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other vulnerable women and girls in Yobe State are set to receive entrepreneurship skills grants, announced by Dr. Zara Yusuf, Executive Director of Portrait Lake Child Initiative (PLCI).

Dr Yusuf, made the announcement during the opening of a skills training session for entrepreneurship at the Federal College of Education’s Guest House in Potiskum, Yobe State.

He urged the beneficiaries, who were selected from the Nangere and Potiskum communities, to apply the knowledge gained from the training and utilize the grants effectively. She emphasized that the support is aimed at strengthening their resilience and improving their economic status for the benefit of their families and society at large.

During the training, facilitator Faruq Abdullahi, guided the participants through key business concepts, including business models and the traits of successful entrepreneurs. He encouraged the women to actively engage in various trades and businesses to reduce their dependency on men for daily sustenance.

The program is a collaborative effort organized by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Government of Japan, and supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Portrait Lake Child Initiative (PLCI)

This initiative, announced by Dr. Zara Yusuf, Executive Director of Portrait Lake Child Initiative (PLCI), aims to empower these individuals by providing them with essential skills and financial support to foster self-sufficiency and economic independence. The program is designed not only to address the immediate needs of these survivors but also to promote long-term resilience and recovery through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Significance of the Grants

The grants represent a crucial step towards alleviating the socio-economic challenges faced by women affected by GBV. By equipping them with entrepreneurship skills, the initiative seeks to enhance their ability to start and manage small businesses, thereby improving their overall quality of life. This empowerment is vital in a region where gender-based violence remains a significant issue, as it helps break the cycle of dependency and vulnerability.

In summary, this initiative led by PLCI is a commendable effort aimed at supporting vulnerable women and girls in Yobe State through entrepreneurship training and financial assistance, ultimately fostering empowerment and resilience against GBV.

Reporting by Mala Abdulazeez; Editing by Jennifer Ogor and Julian Osamoto