Women in Nigeria face numerous challenges when venturing into entrepreneurship. According to statistics, women constitute 41% of Nigeria’s micro-business owners. Yet, they face disproportionate barriers like limited access to resources and lack of mentorship in business challenges that limit their growth and success.
As a philanthropist and advocate for women’s empowerment, Aisha Babangida is helping Nigerian women break down these barriers. Through the Woman Enterprise Alliance (WENA), she has built a platform designed to support, train, and inspire women in entrepreneurship.
Woman Enterprise Alliance (WENA)
Woman Enterprise Alliance (WENA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to succeed in business.
The organisation aims to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship and targets women from diverse backgrounds, focusing primarily on those in rural and underserved communities. They equip them with tools to help them succeed in their businesses and become economically independent. Their programs and training for women entrepreneurs can be summed up in the following:
1. Capacity Development Workshops: They focus on practical skills, including business planning, branding, and marketing strategies, to enable women to establish and scale their businesses effectively.
2. Leadership and Financial Literacy Training: This training emphasises the importance of financial management and leadership development. Women are taught to manage resources, secure funding, and lead their teams confidently.
3. Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): They provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance on accessing funding even in competitive markets.
Many women have benefited from their training programmes. Over 600 individuals and farmers have been trained in alternative farming methods. More than 150 farmers and agribusinesses have also been trained in agriculture. Seven farmers and agribusinesses have been funded and supported. Additionally, over 4,500 small businesses have been supported, over 100 new jobs have been created, and 350 plus have received export support.
At the 3rd WenA Conference on SME Scalability and Intra-regional Trade, Aisha Babangida stated that WENA is dedicated to fostering a supportive ecosystem for SMEs and social enterprises through capacity-building initiatives. She highlighted the organisation’s efforts in expanding prospects for intra-regional trade, advocating for gender inclusivity, raising awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and strengthening women’s intra-trade associations and networks.
Under WENA’s initiatives, Aisha Babangida has worked with non-profits and international organisations to expand her reach to more Nigerian women. As WENA grows, she hopes to expand the scope of skills development workshops, leadership training, and financial literacy programs. This way, female entrepreneurs, even in the most remote areas, can meet the marketplace demands in Nigeria.
