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Tag: women

  • SMEDAN, UNDP train women entrepreneurs

    SMEDAN, UNDP train women entrepreneurs

    •Target CBN’s 220b MSME funds

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have concluded the second phase of their economic empowerment programme for women-owned Cooperative Societies in Enugu, Enugu State.

    The programme drew from select states with hopes on leveraging the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) fund recently launched in Abuja by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Over 60 women, representing various Cooperative Societies from the North and South of the country, benefitted from entrepreneurship training.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director-General, SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, who was represented on  by the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mrs Justina David, said the agency would explore the possibility of securing funding for the women-owned cooperative societies from the N220b CBN intervention fund.

    Commending the women for their commitment throughout the training, he noted that the women are now in a better position to access the CBN’s MSME Fund, as well as other soft loans from the federal government-owned development finance institutions. The institutions, he said, include the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

    Bature urged them to ensure that knowledge acquired in the course of the training reflect in their daily business activities. He called on the women to serve as examples and a shining light to other women entrepreneurs in their various communities.

    He commended the UNDP in Nigeria for their commitment to enhancing the capacity and development of women and making the training a reality.

    The UNDP Country Director, Dr Pa Lamin Beyai, urged women to share their knowledge with other members of their respective cooperative societies, noting that most African countries have similar demographic pattern where women form up to 50 per cent or more of the population.

  • Stopping violence against women

    When the famous musical legend, Bob Marley, sang his famous line “no woman, no cry” in 1974, most of people had no idea of what the world had in stock for women in 21st century. Seeing the plight of women in today world, Bob Marley would have been seen as prophet; the type that is quite different from the ones that parade our country nowadays, who only make false predictions.

    Two important inferences can be made from Bob Marley’s refrain. The first is that, he was a brilliant singer and, in fact, the greatest reggae artiste ever known. The second is that, challenges women around the world face have increased compare to the past. Such are the violence and discrimination against womenfolk. It has never been this bad.

    Despite many conferences held by women to address the issues, there has not been assurance that the challenges would be solved. A full week has been specifically set aside to honour women around the world; countless laws have been passed to uphold their rights, yet they still bear the brunt of war, violence and discrimination.

    In the midst of these, some nations have made progressed to improve the lot of women. Some of these countries have won the battle against feminine illiteracy, violence and discrimination against women. They have directed their energies to fighting other form of violence against womenfolk. These countries have implemented some law to promote the rights women.

    Sadly, Nigeria does not look like one of those women-friendly nations. The manner with which women are treated in this country makes me convinced that our nation is against anything feminine, which is why many see women subordinates and second-class citizens. This discrimination persists despite the fact that we have had women in topmost positions in the country and quite a substantial number of female senators.

    We need to understand the fact that a nation cannot be judged by how well it treats the rich and mighty, but by how much security and good governance the poor and helpless enjoy.

    Last year, in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, two women, a mother and her daughter, were dehumanised by a mob over allegation of theft, an incident pricked the conscience of people when the video went viral on the internet. Even if the women were guilty of the allegation, the inhumane treatment meted out to them did not in any way make the mob righteous. The victims were stripped naked and subjected to most dehumanising treatment, as onlookers watched helplessly.

    If they are still alive, the harsh treatment might haunt them forever. After that event, I thought I had seen the worst in terms of violence against women but I was in for a shocker.

    A drunken policeman beat a young lady, Funmilayo Adebayo, to a pulp for no just cause. More painful was the fact that another policeman was present when this dastardly act was being perpetrated. Some bystanders were even brave to film the incident and post it on Youtube. But none of them had the courage to come to her rescue. Funmi’s brother, who was said to have attempted to confront the policeman, was prevented by onlookers. That, of course, is the extent to which Nigeria “respects” its women.

    I was moved to tears while watching the interview of Funmi’s mother. The old woman said she had reported the matter at several police stations but the police made efforts to sweep it under the carpet. Funmi’s mother forgot to add one more thing: she is a woman whose right was being trampled upon. The police later dismissed the case, because powerless and helpless women were the victims.

    Last April, more 217 schoolgirls were kidnapped in a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram fighters. Up till today, they are still missing. Whether we like it or not, the truth is that we all have let these girls down. It is heartbreaking that for almost five months, there has really been no serious search to look for them, except probably efforts made by their parents. It is heart-rending that we are only left to imagine what they are going through at this moment that we have betrayed them. Women and children are a nation’s most valuable asset, and as such are meant to be its most protected citizens, yet we are about to let these young women slip right through our fingers.

    Now, one thing is certain. We need to find our girls. Another is that we need to find our voice. More women need to stand up and speak up on the outright violation of our rights and the lack of regard for women in our society. We need to put more pressure on the nation to find our future mothers and, not just find them, but rescue them safe and sound. And we can do it. One only needs to go down memory lane to know the kind of power women wield when pushed to the wall. Nigerian women have gone through a lot and this kidnap might be the straw that would end up breaking the camel’s back. Threat to one woman is a threat to the world.

     

    Sarat, 300-Level Applied Chemistry, UDUS

  • Ekiti PDP women back Jonathan for second term

    Ekiti PDP women back Jonathan for second term

    Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Coalition 2015’  has urged the party to field President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for next year’s election.

    At a rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the group also asked the President to declare his re-election bid in the national interest.

    PDP women leaders from the Southwest witnessed the rally, which was addressed by the leader of the group, Mrs. Bolajoko Oriire Olapeju.

    She said: “ The efforts of President Jonathan since he assumed office in 2010 proved that he eminently deserves a second term and he deserves our support.”

    Olapeju described the group as “a pressure group driven by the desire to join the teeming groups to support the re-election of President Jonathan in flying PDP’s flag in the 2015 general election.”

    Urging women to support the President, she said the number one citizen has appointed more women into the Federal Executive Council (FEC) more than his predecessors.

    She said: “The good works of the President are felt all over the country, in spite of the activities of enemies of progress.”

    Olapeju added: “We are in Ekiti to enlist your support in this crusade to ensure victory for our President and our great party.”

    Also speaking, the group’s leader in Ekiti, Mrs Modupe Orubuloye, said women delegates had come from 16 councils to drum support for the President’s bid.

    She said: “They are resolute in their support for another term for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

    Olapeju said the group’s activities cut across party lines because “President Jonathan’s good works cut across party lines and he has impacted positively on all and sundry.”

    She added: “Women must not be deceived and they must not allow  themselves to be deceived because the President has done very well for Nigerians and the Nigerian women.”

     

  • Equipping Lagos women to be self-reliant   

    Equipping Lagos women to be self-reliant   

    Scores of women from different age groups recently gathered at the various skill acquisition centres set up by the Lagos State government across the state to participate in a free training programme designed to empower women and tackle poverty in the state. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO reports.  

    For the women that took part in the recently concluded free skill acquisition programme organized by the Lagos State government as part of its effort to reduce poverty among the populace, it was a fulfillment of a life time ambition.

    The women, mostly from poor background, had looked forward to learning a trade or acquiring a skill and set up a business of their own afterwards, but they lacked the financial resources to follow through their dreams. But that has now changed, thanks to the Lagos State government; and the women are happy to tell their story.

    Funmi Obanla, after completing her secondary school education had wanted to proceed further to acquire higher education but the poor socio-economic status of her family has dashed all her hopes in that regard.  Moved by her family situation, Obanla like many other youths in Lagos roamed the street aimlessly for years in search of employment.

    Things however turned around for good for her recently when a family friend informed her about a free skill training programme where she can learn any vocation of her choice. She quickly took advantage of the opportunity and registered at the Akowonjo centre of the Lagos State skill acquisition programme for training in soap making, since the programme does not attract any charge. Besides being trained, she was also exposed to other opportunities that would enable her to develop a viable business plan in the future.

    “I have been undergoing this training since July and the programme did not cost me anything. During this period, I have gained a lot of things. We have been taught how to make kitchen soaps, toilet cleansers and washing soaps generally”. She told The Nation at the centre.

    Continuing she said: “Already, I have people who are willing to patronise me when I start production. I can’t wait to start this business. This programme should continue because it will help a lot of women that do not have any work to do. We don’t have to start big, we can start from our house, and with time, one can expand to any size”.

    Like Obanla, 18 year old Balikis Abdulrahman, said she deliberately chose to participate in the programme not just because it was free, but because it will help her develop her skill in hairdressing.

    “I have been here for three weeks and I have gained a lot. I have learnt enough. I have learnt how to make different hairstyles including ‘Bob Marley’, fixing and weaving among others. I am very happy”.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Kehinde Nigbakunle, said the management of the centre did not discriminate regarding the local government or ethnic background of the participants before they could be accepted into any of the programmes.

    “It is not difficult to enroll in this programme. One can come from Agbado, Oke-Odo, Alimosho and any part of the state. There is no discrimination at all, and the programme is free for the participants. We did not pay anything to get the application form. We did not pay anything for enrolment. We want the programme to continue so that we can learn more and gain more. The  sustenance is critical to enable the participants establish  their businesses and outfits”

    Mrs Titilayo Philips, a full-time house wife, thanked the  government for the programme, which she said had provided her an opportunity to learn a skill which she hopes will afford her an opportunity to make more money to support her  husband and family.

    She enjoined other full-time housewives not to remain idle but also seize the opportunity that the programme offers to acquire a skill, adding that most of the skills being taught at the centres, offers a window of financial independence.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure, who flagged off the training said, it was in continuation of the effort of the government to provide opportunity for women to become self reliant. She explained that women would be exposed to training in different vocational skills which includes cake and snack production, soap making, beads, hairdressing, make-up and headgear, textile designs, event and decoration, amongst others.

    She enjoined participants to make good use of the opportunity and learn a skill, noting that the State government through the programme is determined not only to eradicate poverty in the state but also provide a window of  opportunity for idle and vulnerable residents of the state  to be empowered and make a better living for themselves.

    The deputy governor added that the short-term training  programme was the government response to the yearnings of the people who are unable to attend the regular programmes, which currently runs at the 17 Skill Acquisition Centres, for whatever reasons but still desires to acquire a skill to be able to improve their living condition.

    “The short-term training programme is equally rich in content like the regular classes as the Ministry has deployed qualified instructors and materials to assist the beneficiaries in learning efficiently and effectively within the short period, while assuring that other local government and local council development areas not yet covered will enjoy similar opportunity soon.”

    Since 2007, thousands of Lagos residents have benefited from the skill acquisition programme, mostly in the areas of fashion design, textile design, hair dressing, welding and fabrication, aluminum fabrication, mat weaving, catering and hotel management, tie and dye, bead making and printing technology.

    The government has been fighting poverty through regular organisation of short-term and long-term skill acquisition programmes in different parts of the state to enable people acquire the required skills for self reliance. The regular skill acquisition programme also includes a three-week entrepreneurial training to empower participants with basic knowledge of management required for the smooth operation of their businesses whenever they are set for take-off. Besides that, the state government also organizes various short-term vocational training programmes for both men and women.

    According to a report published by the state government last year, more than 35, 000 women received

    training under the state’s various short-term programmes between 2007 and 2008. In 2009, the figure was put at over 60, 000, comprising women and men who were tutored in different vocations.

    And to ensure that funding isn’t an issue for the graduates, the state government established the Lagos State Microfinance Institution (LASMI) to coordinate and disburse loans to budding entrepreneurs through the approved microfinance banks to enable them kick start their business plan.

     

  • Women tackle senator over representation

    Women tackle senator over representation

    Women, under the auspices of the Concerned Women of Southern Kaduna, have accused the senator representing the zone, Senator Nenadi Usman, of lack of quality representation.

    They also accused her of inaccessibility, adding that she is on the run from her constituency for fear of being confronted by women and youths to account for her stewardship.

    But Senator Usman, who said she did not feel bad by the accusations, added that the women might have been sponsored by those aspiring to contest the senatorial position next year.

  • Women of substance

    Women of substance

    The 5th Inspiring Women Conference has been held at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, report NNEKA NWANERI and OMOLARA OGUNWALE.

    They came from all over the world. Career women and entrepreneurs gathered at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, last Thursday. They came to learn from one another the distinguishing traits that made them to excel in their chosen fields.

    The early morning rain  could not stop them.

    The room was filled with  notable women, looking trendy and classy with alluring hair dos.

    Some of  the women include: the first woman President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Mrs Boma Ozobia; former Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Bank of Industries Ms Evelyn Oputu; Chief Executive Officer of Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun.

    Mrs Amosun was represented by the wife of the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral Agencies, Mrs Olufemi Shopade, who delivered a speech from the governor’s wife.

    As Mrs Shopade, Mrs Alakija, Mrs Ozobia and Ms Oputu entered the arena, they were led to the high table and the event kicked off.

    They shared their experiences with others to motivate them and demystify the impression that some professions are no go areas for women.

    The conference was the fifth in the series of the yearly Inspring Women Conference, a vision initiated by Kemi Ajumobi and organised by Businessday.

    Businessday Publisher Frank Aigbogun, in a welcome address, said the event was aimed at improving the womenfolk.

    “Society can become better with more women succeeding. Homes can be more peaceful because stronger families bring successful nations. So with dedication and hard work, yes a woman can.” Aigbogun said.

    He urged women to believe in their abilities, use their vocations to lift others and emulate the good virtues of those who have made it to the top.

    “Stay motivated and reach for the sky.The future is yours, so go for it,” said Mrs Boma Ozobia.

    She nearly caused a stir at the beginning  of her speech  but that session later became interactive.

    She  was decked in an ash colour suit and skirt, it almost seemed like she was there for a court session as she mounted the podium. She spoke with confidence, convincing her listeners with ease.  She is a partner at Sterling Partnership, Nigeria and she is among the few allowed to practise Law in Nigeria, England and Whales.

    She described women as role models who should show the world that success is synonymous with what they do and how they do it.

    Ms Oputu, in her usual traditional attire, looked more like a South African. She told the gathering that women should ‘play like a man, win like a woman’, because power never gives them authority, so it has to be taken.

    She condemned the notion that  women are  care-givers, but  cannot  give orders. That creates the impression that only a few women can get to the top.

    “Family relationships are longer lasting than any career, so there should be a balance. Believe in yourself and know that those who failed had no will. Take a chance on yourself and believe in the beauty of your dreams because if you fall and remain down, people will trample on you.”

    Mrs Alakija, the woman with a sense of style and focus, just like the late Rosa Parks who inspired blacks, said there are still a few women in Nigeria who inspire. She mentioned the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; first female Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar; first female elected African Head of State and Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mrs Hilary Clinton, who all double as wives and mothers but conquered all barriers and remain shining examples.

    The conference ended on a friendly note with questions and answers and photograph sessions, where participants  interacted with speakers.

     

  • Eucharia, Mabo to Falconets:No team is unbeatable

    Eucharia, Mabo to Falconets:No team is unbeatable

    • Duo warn Nigerian women against complacency

    Former Super Falcons coaches Uche Eucharia and Ismaila Mabo have charged the Falconets to approach their game with Korea DPR with focus,determination and resolve to write their names in gold like their predecessors that got to the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup before them.

    The Falconets are playing in their third semi-final in succession in FIFA U-20 World Cup after the last two sets made it at least to this stage.

    The 2010 set went past Colombia 1-0 in the semi-final before bowing out 2-0 to hosts Germany in the final in Dresden while in the Japan 2012 edition Desire Oparanozie’s flying header against Mexico during the extra time sent the Falconets to the last four where they lost to the United States 2-0 before another 2-1 loss to Japan in the third place game.

    With another chance of a place in the final staring them in the face,Eucharia who led the Super Falcons to the African Women’s Championship(AWC) in South Africa in 2010, has admonished the Falconets to approach the game with the right frame of mind and never allow inferiority complex to set in stating that no team is unbeatable with the right tactics.

    She, however, cautioned the Falconets to guard against complacency if they scale through the hurdle called North Korea.

    “My advise to them is to be focused and don’t be complacent against North Korea. No team is unbeatable and I will urge them to play with a relaxed mind knowing fully well that some of their colleagues have gone past this stage in the past”Eucharia told SportingLife.

    Lending his support to the Falconets,Ismaila Mabo also challenged the team to go all the way to ensure that Nigeria aims at the cup this time around after the loss to Germany in the final of the 2010 edition.

  • Women in men’s world

    Women in men’s world

    Conventionally, the women folk are said to be weaker than men. They are, therefore, expected to engage in activities that are less taxing.

    One of these tasks that was apparently the exclusive preserve of men is sale of newspapers. This is because it requires stamina. As a result, it had, for a long time, been dominated by the male folk.

    It is common to see male vendors running in-between moving cars, going from office to office or home to home selling various newspapers.

    Conversely, it is not common to see women vendors or distributors of newspapers running in-between moving cars, going from office to office and home to home to sell newspapers the way their male counterparts do.

    That was in the yesteryears. These days, the women folk have ventured into places men fear to tread, including sale of newspapers.

    A visit to the newspaper distribution centre on Jos Road in the heart of Kaduna metropolis revealed that young girls are gradually in stiff competition with their male counterparts. Amazingly, they are doing well in the business.

    The female vendors and newspaper distributors are seen daily running from one media house to the other like the men. Sometimes, they wake up so early that they arrive at the distribution point as early as 6:00 a.m. to collect their allotments.

    For the distributors, they are often seen struggling to outclass the men when vehicles bringing newspapers to the town arrive. The shoving, however, does not deter them as they are determined to earn a living through sale of newspapers.

    Investigations by our correspondents revealed that, apart from those who are engaged in the distribution business, some of the girls have also decided to own newspaper stands after understudying their male employers for a period of time.

    One of such girls is 25-year-old Faith John who runs a newspaper stand at the KRPC Junction. Faith said she started selling newspapers in 2007, when she was employed by her former boss, Mr. Lazarus.

    She also told our correspondent that “after her secondary education, she searched for job and was employed by “Oga Lazarus in 2007.  I was working for him as a sales girl. I was receiving monthly salary.

    “In 2009, I went back to school at the Federal School of Statistics to continue my education. I completed my course in 2010. When I finished school, Oga Lazarus invited me to join him again and I did. I was working for him until 2012 when someone advised me to start my own newspaper business.

    “At first, I felt intimidated because all the vendors I know around were men. However, due to wise counsel and pieces of advice I received from well-meaning individuals, I summoned courage and established this stand.”

    Faith, who hails from Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, is not intimidated by her male counterparts anymore, and she does not regret venturing into the business.

    She noted that being a woman has helped her greatly in the business. She said: “When customers stop and ask of the vendor and I present myself, they will be shocked. But, gradually, they became attached to me and even more at home with me than my male counterparts. That is why my business has been booming.”

    She believes that newspaper distributors have found female vendors more reliable than the male folks, because they always remit their sales as at and when due. After deducting all her expenses, Faith said she makes daily profit of about N1, 000.

    Faith is further encouraged to forge ahead in the business because she has not suffered any loss since all unsold copies of newspapers and magazines are returned to the company.

    But that does not indicate that there are no occupational hazards associated with sale of newspapers.

    She said: “The business is usually at its lowest ebb during the rainy season as constant downpour affects the sales. Often, some customers collect papers on credit only to abscond with the money. Young ladies should take advantage of benefits inherent in sale of newspaper rather than engage in prostitution and other vices.”

    For Victoria Binat who manages a newspaper stand at Narayi bus stop, the quest for knowledge prompted her into newspaper business. Prior to her involvement in the newspaper business, Binat said, she had managed a small business in her own apartment. She told our correspondent that she used to go to newspaper stand to read newspapers and listen to people debate issues in the papers.

    She said: “The owner of the stand got a bigger place elsewhere. He asked me if I could manage the stand. I felt reluctant at first, but later accepted the offer for N7, 000 monthly salaries; excluding transport and feeding allowances I received daily.” From what she makes from the stand, Victoria who said she is a divorcee and has one child said she had been able to settle her bills and take care of the education of her child.

    She also said she receives a lot of goodwill from her customers on daily basis which has kept her going.

    Similarly, 20-year-old Gift Dauda manages a newspaper stand along the popular Post Office Junction in the Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis where she is employed on a monthly salary of N11, 000. She told our correspondent that working at the newspaper stand has affected her life positively since she completed her secondary school education. She hopes to raise enough money to sponsor her education.

    She said: “I have the dream of being a graduate in future. I do not want to over-burden my parents in terms of the fees. I ventured into sale of newspapers in order to relieve them of the burden. All my savings are towards achieving my academic goal. My parents still take care of my other needs.”

    Even though she plan to go for higher qualification, she said she would return to the business after her education, pointing out that one of the things she enjoys about the business is that customers come looking for you.

    “The only thing you need is to get a strategic location where customers can easily see you,” she said.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Mr. Idris Nasir, a businessman who resides at the Barnawa area of the metropolis commended some girls who engaged in the business despite its intricate nature, adding that it is better than engaging in social vices.

    “At least, they are earning a living from doing that. This is no longer the time to say it’s a man’s world. I must commend them for the courage to do this. Sometimes, when I go to Jos Road early in the morning and I see some of these girls doing this job, I wonder how they cope,” Nasir said.

  • Give fair representation to women, WACC urges media owners

    Give fair representation to women, WACC urges media owners

    The Africa region of World Association of Christian Communication (WACC AR) has urged media owners and communicators in Africa to focus on issues that concern women in their reporting.

    This according to the body will help in stemming the tide of violence against women in the region and also give them a fair representation in the emancipation of the continent.

    WACC made the call at the end of a three-day seminar on Gender and Communication in Africa at War and in Peace in Nairobi, Kenya which held from 4th-7th August 2014.

    The organization in the communiqué, signed by the newly elected President of the Africa region, Mathilda Kpalla and Secretary, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin urged media owners to give space to promote women based issues in their media and be gender sensitive in the recruitment of those who are purveyors of news in the media.

    WACC AR also called on media professionals to endeavor to “profile the role and perspectives of women before, during and after conflict and in peace and security processes.

    “They should also endeavor to promote national and regional monitoring on women’s right issue and use their media to work on the issue of changing socio-cultural norms that are against women”

    It also observed that the internet has been used to perpetuate violence against women and urged internet service providers to work towards removing content that perpetuate violence against women on the internet and drive the campaign to stem the tide of illicit postings on the internet.

    While observing that women are the most vulnerable group in conflict situations, participants at the seminar called on governments at all levels in African countries to ratify and domesticate United Nation’s and Africa Union’s recommendations on issues of rights that concern women and also create awareness on national action plans for implementation of the resolutions.

    It also urged civil society groups to work towards changing attitudes of society and socio-cultural norms towards women and girls while also calling on churches and faith based organizations to broaden their teachings beyond evangelism to include issues on women’s rights

  • UN advocates more political space for women

    THE United Nations Women (UN-Women) Representative to Nigeria and the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Grace Ongile, has advocated for a wider political space for women.

    Speaking at a program organised by the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, she said it has become imperative that women should be allowed to play more significant roles in politics.

    Stating that there was need for more women appointees in the Osun State House of Assembly and in the local government administration, Ongile lamented the small figure of women appointees in the nation’s polity.

    Expressing regrets that there is no woman as member of the Osun State House of Assembly, the UN-Women congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his re-election, while advising him to take the issue of women seriously, considering the fact that over 50 percent of women electorate registered and voted for him.

    She reminded him that women would expect more representatives at all levels of the government.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said that the programme was initiated by the United Nations to ensure that women are empowered to occupy political posts at local, state and national level.