How foundation is empowering rural women overcome poverty

Fortune smiled on Philomena Arthur-Anyi, a resident of the Magbo community in Egbeda Local Government Area of Lagos State after she learned a skill that has now made her financially empowered.   Before the skill training, Philomena had no entrepreneurial know-how and could barely meet economic demands. Now she makes shampoo, toilet wash and a local […]

Fortune smiled on Philomena Arthur-Anyi, a resident of the Magbo community in Egbeda Local Government Area of Lagos State after she learned a skill that has now made her financially empowered.  

Before the skill training, Philomena had no entrepreneurial know-how and could barely meet economic demands. Now she makes shampoo, toilet wash and a local groundnut snack, kuli-kuli for sale. “I am no more financially incapacitated like before,” Philomena said, beaming with a smile.

Empowered by a programme designed for women struggling to make ends meet in rural communities, Philomena Arthur-Anyi, says the training, by the Ruth Joseph-Audu Women Foundation (RJAWF) has provided her and other women a lifeline.

“Presently, I have customers. I have been supporting my family with the proceeds from my business. My children now eat comfortably and the business confers me some prestige. I am happy to be someone who can trade and get money in return,” she said.

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Philomena’s story is a reflection of the testimonies of other women who have benefited from the skill empowerment training that has given them hope and elevated their status.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, women constitute roughly half of the Nigerian population but 60 per cent of them live in extreme poverty. This is what Ruth Joseph-Audu, the director of the Ruth Joseph-Audu Women Foundation (RJAWF), is trying to address. She is behind the empowerment of Philomena and other women from Magbo community.

Joseph-Audu says empowering rural women with skills stems from a place of passion to see them thrive in businesses and to create an ecosystem for them to become financially stable.

“Our vision is to see to the multi-dimensional skill empowerment programme such that it will give women financial empowerment, economic freedom and a voice,” she said, adding that their approach ensures that women not only receive essential support when they need it most, but also gain the tools, skills and opportunities required for sustained success and empowerment.

She reiterated the foundation’s purpose to uplift women out of poverty by equipping them with business skills and resources and seeking corporate bodies for support.

Esther Ilesanmi is one of the many women who were trained in how to produce shampoo and liquid toilet wash. She had initially expressed doubts about starting a shampoo production business because she anticipated it would require a huge capital. However, after becoming a beneficiary of training by the Ruth Joseph-Audu Women Foundation (RJAWF), she says with less than N20,000 capital, she became a business owner.

“I thank God that when I was invited to attend the training, I went. It was there at the training that I realised that with as little as N15,000 to N20,000, I can start a business,” she said.

Overcoming her doubt, Esther, a mother of four, is navigating life without fear of financial difficulty as she supports her family in the provision of basic amenities. “Since I started my business, I have been able to support my family by providing food for my four children.

“I no longer beg people for money, I go out to hawk the products and return home before my children return home from school. I am grateful for the opportunity and the business has contributed to my income,” she said.

Like Esther Illesami, Joy Julius is another beneficiary of the training. She believes having entrepreneurial skills is critical to confronting economic challenges. Before attending the training, Joy said she was struggling to survive the current economy, but now, she says, the training has opened her to business opportunities.

“I had no handwork, but from the training, I learnt how to make products for the first time and it blessed my life. I now know how to do it on my own, package and sell it and put food on my table.” 

Helen Owede also spoke in the same vein, testifying to the economic turnaround propelled by the empowerment training. She said the skill acquisition that has resulted in a financial turnaround for the women of Magbo community in Egbeda will not only benefit them but has an impact on the entire community.

Speaking with our correspondent, Ruth Joseph-Audu, the director of the RJAWF, expressed concern over the financial constraints affecting many women, which she said is exacerbated by the high cost of living.

She stressed that some of the participants were offered financial assistance to help them kick-start their businesses and scale up their production.

“To support women entrepreneurs, we offer low-interest loans through our microcredit programmes, providing the essential capital to start or expand their businesses,” she said, adding that the programme is designed to not only give financial aid but also empower women with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable growth. “Our approach includes practical workshops,” she stressed.

With an ambitious goal of empowering at least 5,000 women monthly, Audu said the foundation is actively seeking partnerships with organisations and stakeholders who share its commitment for women’s economic empowerment.

However, due to limited resources, it is currently starting on a smaller scale. “We are determined to see women rise above the poverty level. Beyond training, we want to ensure that these women have access to funding, mentorship, and the right market connections to succeed. Our dream is to see their products on shelves both locally and globally,” she said.

But this is not enough, Audu’s foundation also runs community-based food banks that provide essential groceries to vulnerable women and their families. They make regular distribution of staple Nigerian food items such as rice, beans, garri, yams, and other local groceries to those in need.

“We partner with local farmers and food suppliers to ensure a steady supply of fresh and nutritious items, ensuring both quality and sustainability,” she said.