By Bashir Hassan
In what can be described as matching words with action, a Bauchi-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Attah Sisters Helping Hand (ASHH) Foundation, with support from Women for Women International (WfWI), has empowered 32 women, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), in Ganjuwa and Bauchi LGAs of Bauchi State.
The empowerment items were sewing and grinding machines to enhance their economic stability and self-reliance.
At a well attended distribution ceremony held on Saturday 29th March, 2025, ASHH Foundation’s Executive Director (ED) Comfort Attah urged beneficiaries to utilize the equipment to improve their economic status in their respective communities.
The ED cautioned them not to sell the items, stressing that selling the items is strictly prohibited. She stated that the foundation reserves the right to monitor progress and take legal action against any misuse.
While thanking Women for Women International for the support in actualising the empowerment program, Attah revealed that selected beneficiaries were drawn from survivors of sexual and gender violence in the Two LGAs that went through the Foundation's psychosocial support program through trauma healing.
According to the ED, other beneficiaries were selected from the vulnerable target group in the respective communities and some that were previously trained by ASHH Foundation s "Ignite Her Potentials" program which focuses on training women and adolescent girls in skills vocations like tailoring, hairdressing, beads making, bakery and decorations.
The ED expressed her optimism saying that the distribution of the empowerment items will improve not only the economic status of the families of the beneficiaries, but that it will cascade down to the community, LGA and Bauchi State at large.
"This initiative reaffirms ASHH Foundation’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, equipping them with the tools to achieve financial independence and a brighter future,” said Attah.
While giving an overview of the empowerment program, Mrs. Precious Alfred, the Project Officer, disclosed that the initiative was made possible with funding from Women for Women International (WfWI), through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).
She stressed that the machines are meant for business purposes, to ensure sustainable economic growth for the beneficiaries.
Expressing their gratitude, some of the beneficiaries shared how the empowerment will transform their lives.
Bose Samuel, a PWD from Bauchi LGA, who got a grinding, said, "for long I wished for one grinding machine, but could not afford it and today my dream of owning one has been fulfilled by Women for Women International and ASHH Foundation. I thank all partners that made it possible for me to benefit and I also want to urge fellow beneficiaries to use the equipment wisely".
Another beneficiary, Safiya Adamu from Ganjuwa LGA, expressed her appreciation for being given a sewing machine, pledging that, "I am going to use it with utmost care in order to improve my income and that of my family. I will equally introduce and train my children too, now that I own a sewing machine".
0 Comments