Global Peace trains, empowers 100 Kaduna women on financial literacy to fight poverty
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), in partnership with Global Peace Women (GPW) and Yakwai Human Touch Foundation (YAHTOF), has completed a one-month financial literacy and empowerment programme for 100 women drawn from various communities in Kaduna State.
The closing ceremony, held on Tuesday in Kaduna, featured representatives of the GPFN Country Director, Rev Dr Joseph John Hayab. Speaking on his behalf, Senior Programme Manager Abdul Ahmed explained that the initiative was designed to boost women’s economic resilience and leadership at the community level, with a broader objective of addressing the socio-economic roots of conflict.
“Poverty remains one of the primary catalysts of unrest, especially in vulnerable communities. Women, as key influencers in their homes and neighbourhoods, play a crucial role in fostering peace. This programme was therefore aimed at empowering them not just financially but also intellectually,” Ahmed said.
He explained that the participants underwent intensive training covering financial literacy, budgeting, market research, value enhancement, and the advantages of joining cooperative societies.
Following the training, five cooperative societies were established, enabling the women to launch or expand small-scale businesses using seed capital totalling one million naira provided through the initiative.
“The ultimate aim is to restore dignity, promote financial independence, and enhance women’s contributions to their communities. When women are economically empowered, they can take part in key decisions, encourage peaceful interactions, and play a meaningful role in youth mentorship at home,” Ahmed said.
He also pointed to the interfaith dimension of the programme, which deliberately brought together Christian and Muslim women in the same cooperative groups to cultivate mutual understanding and collaborative engagement.
“Young people observing their mothers and sisters from different religious communities working side by side begin to see unity as possible. This gradually transforms how society views interfaith relations,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Lois Joseph Hayab of Global Peace Women Nigeria shared that the initiative was structured to help women achieve self-reliance and economic productivity, which are key to national peace and progress.
“Many women today lack access to sustainable means of livelihood. Through this programme, we are equipping them with the tools to run viable businesses, support their families, and build peace through their entrepreneurial ventures,” she said.
She praised the women’s dedication and teamwork throughout the training period, observing that their level of cooperation and commitment had been remarkable.
“We trust they will maximise the resources and skills provided and in turn, serve as agents of positive change within their communities,” she added.
Director of Yakwai Human Touch Foundation (YAHTOF), Elizabeth David Hassan, described the programme as especially significant given the economic pressures currently affecting households.
“We began this journey in April and are wrapping it up today with renewed optimism. The financial assistance may appear modest, but we are confident it will serve as a launching pad for greater opportunities.
“Our hope is that as they apply their new knowledge and utilise the funds wisely, they will begin to overcome poverty with renewed strength,” she said.
