100 Gender-based violence survivors become entrepreneurs

·        As LETSAI develop 16 social media messages to mark 16 Days of Activism

To support female survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and transform them into business owners of greater economic mobility and economic independence, a Maiduguri-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) recently concluded an eight-month skills acquisition training for over 100 beneficiaries.

Learning through Skills Acquisition Initiative (LETSAI), a youth-led, women-focused non-profit organization trained women in cream production, Soap production, catering, and other life skills.

CEO of the organization Mariam Oyiza Aliyu, an advocate for entrepreneurship and grass-root mobilizing for the national economy said the project was carried out in Pulka and Konduga Local Government of Borno state on account of the prevalence of GBV cases from the area.

While disclosing that they were funded by Women’s peace and humanitarian fund supported by UN Women, Ms. Aliyu told Law & Society that the trainees were empowered with start-up kits containing chemicals for soap and cream production as well as containers. The bakers and caterers received flour, sugar, baking powder, yeast, oil, beans, and many more during the graduation ceremony.

Meanwhile, to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism against GBV, LETSAI with the support of UNICEF carried out an awareness campaign against GBV and the like. They also developed 16 social media messages to celebrate the project. Some of the messages include:

• No Means No
• Women need free Environment to be Involved in Decision making
• I am here for Her
• Sexual Harassment is a Crime
• Raise your family, not your Fist
• I stand for a GBV free Nation
• End Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities
• Prevention Starts with You
• Women and Girls with HIV/AIDS have their Rights and deserve to be Respected
• We are all in to End Violence Against Women and Girls
• Break the Silence, See something Say something