Sightsavers Empowers 2,878 Women and Girls with Disabilities

Sightsavers Nigeria has successfully empowered 2,878 women and girls with disabilities in Kano and Lagos through a business education and entrepreneurship training program. The initiative, part of the "Sabi Woman" project, aims to strengthen access to quality education and sustainable livelihoods for adolescents and young women with disabilities.

Prof. Joi Shuaibu, the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, emphasized the program's focus on mentorship and life coaching, providing training in business literacy, bookkeeping, and product costing.

The project has also connected participants with financial institutions to improve access to loans and grants. Mr.

Esther Batur noted that 1,512 young women with disabilities have benefited from entrepreneurship skills, while 1,647 have received workplace training for disability inclusion. The initiative has faced challenges, including stigma, but has demonstrated a repayment rate of 88% for starter kits valued at N40 million.

The program's impact extends to families and communities, promoting economic independence and inclusion.