Women have been trained on the importance of financial literacy and its role in promoting independence and reducing poverty. This was at a three-day training on financial Literacy for Women Survivors of Domestic Violence in Lagos State, organised by the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) and Theresa Williams Foundation (TWF) under the SWARDA Project (Strengthening Women’s Awareness and Recovery from Domestic Abuse).
Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, said the primary objective of the SWARDA Project was to address the devastating impact of domestic violence against women by empowering them through financial literacy. She said the training will equip women survivors of domestic violence with essential skills to regain control of their financial lives and build a secure future.
“This initiative goes beyond financial literacy; it is about restoring dignity, confidence and self-sufficiency. By equipping survivors with practical tools, we empower them to break free from cycles of abuse and build brighter futures. It is also to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” she said.
Participants were trained on budgeting and money management, why women’s financial empowerment matters, understanding financial literacy basics, building financial skills, the power of saving, mental health and legal rights among others?
According to the Programme Manager, WRAHP, Francis Umoh, “Nigeria remains a patriarchal society with men exercising authority over females in different spheres of life such as politics, economics and sexuality.”
This gender inequality has continued to place women and girls in a disadvantaged position of subordination and is a major driving force in the high incidence of domestic violence experienced by women and girls in Nigeria.”
He explained forms of violence as economic deprivation, neglect, abandonment, rape, denial of access to medical care, physical violence and others. He noted how financial empowerment helps reduce poverty, dependence and domination, builds self-esteem and mental health and increases decision-making ability.
Senior Programmes Officer, WRAHP, Segun Babalola, urged the women to set smart goals, explaining that their goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, reliable, timed and regularly reviewed. He also urged them to set up budgets, search for ways to cut down on costs and multiply their income.
