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By Clifford Ejenavi Southern Women Empowerment Forum has ingurated its executives at the state and local government levels in Oyo State. The historic ceremony was held on Thursday 3rd of October, 2024 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The Southern Women Empowerment Forum according to its President, Dr. Helen Adebakin, is a commitment to the…
By Clifford Ejenavi
Southern Women Empowerment Forum has ingurated its executives at the state and local government levels in Oyo State.
The historic ceremony was held on Thursday 3rd of October, 2024 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Southern Women Empowerment Forum according to its President, Dr. Helen Adebakin, is a commitment to the cause of empowering women across the Southern region. She added that in a world that is increasingly interconnected and ever evolving, women’s empowerment remains critical not only for gender equity but also for the social and economic advancement of our communities.
“The economic independence of women through entrepreneurship is a powerful tool in lifting families, communities, and indeed the nation out of poverty.
“Economic empowerment, at it were, is about providing women with the tools, resources, and opportunities to become financially independent and self-sufficient. When women succeed economically, we see improvements in education, healthcare, and social welfare for all. In fact, studies have shown that women tend to invest their income more in their families and communities, creating a multiplier effect that benefits society at large.
“As women entrepreneurs, we have the unique ability to drive innovation, create jobs, and shape the future of our local economies. However, this potential cannot be realized unless women are equipped with the necessary skills, funding, and support systems to thrive in the business world.
“Entrepreneurship offers an extraordinary pathway to economic empowerment. It provides women with the opportunity to channel their creativity, innovation, and resilience into building sustainable businesses. Through entrepreneurship, we can unlock the potential that lies within us to transform our lives, our families, and our communities”, Dr. Adebakin said.
She added, “In today’s fast-paced world, entrepreneurship is no longer limited to traditional businesses; it encompasses diverse fields, including technology, agribusiness, healthcare, and more. The future of entrepreneurship is filled with endless possibilities, and we must encourage women from all walks of life to step up.
“However, we must acknowledge the challenges that women face in entrepreneurship. Limited access to capital, inadequate training, and societal norms often restrict women’s ability to start and sustain businesses. As the Southern Women Empowerment Forum, we are committed to addressing these challenges through targeted initiatives, mentorship programmes, and advocacy.
“Our empowerment programme today is a testament to this commitment. Through it, we will provide women with the skills, resources, and support they need to build successful businesses, whether in rural communities or urban centres. By doing so, we will not only change individual lives but also contribute to the broader economic development of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general.”
She therefore urged the newly inaugurated state and local government executives to embrace their roles as leaders with a sense of responsibility and vision.
“You are the torchbearers of our shared mission to empower women, and your leadership will shape the future of our forum and the communities we serve. Together, we must be relentless in pushing forward initiatives that promote economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.
“To all the women gathered here today, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities this forum offers. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned businesswoman, let us work together to build a supportive ecosystem where every woman can achieve her full potential”, Dr. Adebakin said.