International Women’s Day: Empowering Single Mothers Through Vocational Skills

In a groundbreaking move marking this year’s International Women’s Day, the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation has sparked a transformation in the lives of 1,000 young single mothers in Lagos State’s Ibeju-Lekki area. With no male support in their households, these resilient women have been equipped with invaluable vocational skills, igniting hope and opportunity where there once seemed little.

Led by the visionary Kene Egbue, the Foundation’s Program Manager, this initiative stands as a beacon of empowerment and progress. Building on their Sustainable Malnutrition Intervention Program (SMALINT), initially aimed at addressing malnourishment in children, the Foundation has broadened its scope to tackle the root causes of poverty and limited opportunities for women in the region.

Egbue emphasized the critical link between women’s empowerment and sustainable development, underscoring the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty through skill-building and support. The program, extending from the successful launch of SMALINT in 2022, has received resounding praise from both local residents and community leaders alike.

Through intensive training in fields such as hairdressing, tailoring, catering, ICT skills, and leadership development, these women are not just learning skills; they’re gaining the tools to create better lives for themselves and their families. Mrs. Ofem Favour, one of the beneficiaries, attested to the life-changing impact of the program, highlighting how it opened doors to opportunities previously thought unattainable.

But the Foundation’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Beyond the initial training, ongoing support in the form of mentoring, stipends, and further education opportunities ensures that these empowered women continue to thrive long after the program’s conclusion.

In the heart of Lagos, a revolution is underway—one that empowers, uplifts, and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Thanks to the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, these single mothers are not just learning skills; they’re rewriting their stories and shaping their destinies.