In Africa, women face significant challenges, including high rates of poverty, limited economic participation and widespread illiteracy. According to the United Nations Women, 127 women aged 25 to 34 are experiencing extreme poverty compared to every 100 men in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, in sub-Saharan Africa, only 37% of women have a bank account, severely restricting their economic participation. In Nigeria, more than 60% of women are experiencing poverty and more than 10 million children are not in school, even though primary education is free and compulsory.

Furthermore, more than 37 million girls and women in Nigeria are affected by period poverty. Addressing these challenges could significantly reduce poverty rates among women, leading to an increase in economic growth. Estimates show that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could boost sub-Saharan Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 10%. Improved literacy and economic inclusion for women would also ensure better education, health and protection outcomes for children, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation (QWF), a nonprofit organization, is addressing these issues through skill acquisition programs, AI-powered business tools, health education, legal aid partnerships and mentorship. By empowering women with economic, educational and legal resources, QWF aims to transform these challenges into progress and resilience, offering hope and the tools for self-reliance. In return, the women advocate for and look out for children, ensuring they receive the necessary care and protection.

The foundation’s vision is clear and ambitious: to create a sustainable ecosystem where women uplift each other, educate and contribute to eliminating poverty. This vision is brought to life through a series of innovative programs and partnerships that address the multifaceted challenges faced by women and children in Nigeria.

Impacts

The Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation doesn’t just talk about change; it creates it, one life at a time. Its programs align closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating its commitment to global sustainable development.

• Skill Acquisition for Children: In response to the global fight against poverty, the organization conducts skill acquisition training for children, equipping them with tools for future economic independence. QWF has trained 50 children in entrepreneurship skills. The foundation is also implementing a volunteer program where business women from the network train a child. In return, they receive points that boost their chances for business grant opportunities. This creates a sustainable cycle of empowerment and knowledge transfer.
• Sanitary Product Distribution: Working with local schools, the foundation distributes sanitary products and conducts sensitization programs for children, addressing crucial aspects of health and education. It has supported more than 1,000 children through sanitary pad distribution in 20 public schools.
• COVID-19 Education Support: During the pandemic, the foundation connected out-of-school children with mentors worldwide, ensuring that learning continued even when traditional classrooms were inaccessible. Around 122 children were mentored by 20 global mentors.
• Pro Bono Legal Services: Collaborating with Legal Aid Nigeria, the foundation provides pro bono legal services to women who cannot afford lawyers, ensuring that justice is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy.
• Rescuing Twins: Beyond economic empowerment, the foundation is also addressing deep-rooted cultural issues. The foundation works with a rescue home in Kuje, Abuja, saving twins from cultural infanticide and donating essential resources for these vulnerable children. This initiative highlights the foundation’s commitment to addressing complex social issues that intersect with women’s empowerment and child welfare.

A Sustainable Model of Empowerment

The organization is distinguished by its sustainable model. Women who benefit from the foundation’s programs are encouraged to give back through advocacy and fundraising, creating a cycle of empowerment that continues to grow and strengthen the community. Indeed, QWF’s core values of empowerment through education, community support and advocacy, innovative solutions and sustainability through giving back are evident in every aspect of its work.

Looking Forward

In a world where the path to gender equality and women’s empowerment can often seem daunting, QWF offers hope and a practical roadmap for change. It reminds us that when we empower women and children, we truly do grow nations and in doing so, we make significant strides toward achieving the global goals for sustainable development.

As QWF continues to grow and expand its reach, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when women come together to support and uplift each other and their communities. Furthermore, by addressing immediate needs while also focusing on long-term empowerment and education, the foundation is not just changing individual lives – it’s helping to build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

– Staff Reports
Photo: QWF