By Uche Onyeali
Association of Nigeria Women Business Network, ANWBN, has trained and empowered over 250 women in various communities across Northern Nigeria.
The initiative, a collaborative effort with the Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ, is aimed at building the digital skills of Nigerian businesses and women entrepreneurs by implementing a training programme titled, ‘Digital Literacy & E-commerce Training for Women-Owned Businesses’ for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
The training sessions were held in key locations, including Kuje and Lugbe in Abuja, as well as Nyanya in Nasarawa State, drawing participants across the northern region.
Speaking at the event, ANWBN’s National Xoordinator, Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan emphasised the association’s commitment to improve the lives of women.
“We are passionate about the economic empowerment of women. We want the reformation of government policies, especially those that hinder women from reaching their full potentials.
“Our aim is to liberate women, make them independent and show them that they can achieve great things without relying on others,” Oduntan said.
The programme focused on equipping women with digital skills to thrive in today’s economy.
Former National Coordinator and Project Director of ANWBN, Mrs Angela Ajala highlighted the key areas of training to include website development, digital marketing, online sales platforms, pricing strategies and social media management.
Ajala explained that the initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by women in Northern Nigeria and provide them with tools to overcome barriers and succeed in their endeavors.
“We are thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm of the participants. This is just the beginning and we plan to offer more programmes in the near future,” she noted.
The Project Manager, Amede Olisa-Achingale noted that it was designed to create systemic change and open global opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
“By equipping over 250 women with essential digital and e-commerce skills, we are not just bridging the digital divide, but creating pathways for sustainable economic empowerment, community development and increase in household incomes. We are proud of the participants’ enthusiasm and are excited to witness the ripple effect of their success in their businesses and beyond.
“As women-owned businesses grow, they will create jobs and foster innovation, contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation,” Olisa-Achingale said.
She also stressed the importance of digital skills in the modern economy, noting that they are on-boarding female entrepreneurs onto the new ANWBN.
She said the commerce platform would unlock new opportunities for women, enabling them to achieve financial independence.
