Abuja: Somalisa Okocha Care Foundation (SOCA) has equipped no fewer than 150 indigent women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with entrepreneurial skills and starter packs, aiming to boost their economic independence and support their families. The initiative also provided valuable information to reduce the incidences of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ms Lisa Okocha, Co-Founder of SOCA, highlighted during a community outreach in Kpeygeyi community, an Abuja suburb, that this effort was part of their activities to mark the International Women’s Day celebration. She emphasized the significance of empowering women at the grassroots level to create a ripple effect of positive change within communities.
Ms Okocha explained that the foundation offers a comprehensive range of skill acquisition programs. These include the production of soap, bleach, and disinfectants, along with training in packaging, marketing, and financial literacy. Additionally, beneficiaries received training in peanut production, packaging, and sales, with guidance on product registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and export processes.
Beyond training, the foundation provides starter packs to help participants establish their businesses and offers food items and clothing to support their immediate needs. The initiative also integrates advocacy on women’s rights and gender-based violence while promoting mental health awareness among participants.
The outreach was inclusive, attracting women from various religious and social backgrounds across FCT communities. Okocha noted the importance of empowering women, stating, “When you empower one woman, you impact a community.” She encouraged government collaboration to implement policies supporting small businesses, improve access to funding, and ensure a quicker response to cases of GBV and human rights abuse.
Mrs Grace Gabriel of the Holy Mountain Church of God, a beneficiary and host of the event, expressed her gratitude to the foundation for their support in assisting indigent women with skills and starter packs for financial independence. Aisha Mohammed, another beneficiary, highlighted how the initiative would enable her to provide financial support to her family and teach other women the processes to start their businesses.
Mrs Mary Akpira, Women Leader in the community, noted that with the training, women would no longer face financial hardships, reducing conflicts within families. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other distributed items included clothing and food items such as rice, beans, pasta, and oils, among others.