Group equips women with saving skills

A Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, Centre for The Advancement and Protection of Right of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS) has empowered 100 vulnerable women in Lagos through its ‘Reclaim your future’, which started last December 15.

The programme was supported by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Netherlands, through Oxfam under its VOICE programme.

Speaking at the closing Ceremony Of Reclaim Your Life Project in Lagos, yes
terday, the project coordinator, Mrs. Agatha Chinedu  said the programme was aimed at empowering women to reclaim their future because most women are downtrodden, and are passing through difficult times that they cannot tell others.

According to her, most women are burden bearers and  don’t really have time for themselves and reclaiming their future, some of them, because they cater for their father, they cater for children, they cater for extended family, they don’t have time for themselves and they bring in number of children they cannot cater for.
She stressed that the initiative has been a beacon of hope, advocating for crucial aspects of our communities – family planning, the reproductive health and sexual rights of women, and empowerment through the introduction of Village Saving Loan Association (VSLA).In addressing family planning, she said

CAPRIGHTS recognised the importance of providing individuals and families with the resources they need to make informed choices about their future.
“ By fostering an environment that supports comprehensive family planning education and services, we’ve empowered people to take control of their destinies, shaping the path forward for generations to come.

“Our commitment to the reproductive health and sexual rights of women has been unwavering.
“We’ve championed the cause of ensuring that every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and health.
“Through education, advocacy and accessible health-care, we’ve sought to break down barriers and promote a world where every woman can exercise her rights with dignity and autonomy.
“ Empowerment has been a cornerstone of our project, and the introduction of VSLA has been a catalyst for change.
“By fostering economic independence at the grassroots level, we’ve witnessed communities rise, individuals flourish, and a ripple effect of positive transformation spread. The power of financial inclusion has unlocked doors to opportunity, providing a springboard for dreams to take flight.
“As we step into the future, let us continue to champion the rights of every individual, uphold the principles of family planning, and foster empowerment through initiatives like VSLA. Our shared commitment to creating a world where everyone can reclaim their future remains stronger than ever,” she added.

A beneficiary and a petite trader in Ikotun market, Gloria Emmanuel, expressed happiness for being part of the project and prayed for extension to other parts of Lagos and Nigeria in general to help vulnerable women to carter for themselves.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Florence Ikerionwu, who sells vegetables, said she had been empowered to support her family and know how to deliver children she can take care of.

An elated seamstress, Louisa Nwafor,  who was empowered through the project, urged women to come out of their comfort zones to start something even with N5,000 or borrow to start something rather than depending on people.

She said CAPRIGHTS encouraged her to dust her sewing machine parked in the house to start her business, which has empowered her family.

Also, one of the right holders, Mrs Peace Obieyem, said ‘Reclaim your Future project’ was a big success as it has help the women both physically and materially.

According to her, the beneficiaries were taught family planning, saving, insurance, and how to they can help their children and husbands in difficult times.