Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has empowered over 400 women and persons with disabilities in Katsina State through a capacity-building programme aimed at expanding access to economic opportunities.
The initiative, themed ‘From Potential to Power: Advancing Women Into Opportunities’, brought together women from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, professionals, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Senior Strategy Consultant at Jobberman Nigeria, Oladoyin Kolawole, said the programme was designed to break systemic barriers limiting women’s access to opportunities.
“Our focus is on women who are entrepreneurs, professionals, Persons with Disability and those who are internally displaced. Today, we are challenging the systemic barriers that limit their access to opportunities and saying clearly that those doors must be opened,” Kolawole said.
In her keynote address, the Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Zulaiyath Radda, called for stronger commitment to women’s empowerment through education, financial independence, and improved healthcare.
Represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Esther Angulu, Radda stressed the need to unlock the potential of women and girls, particularly in rural communities.
“Women are often described as the backbone of the family, but a backbone that remains in the shadows cannot move the body forward,” she said.
Radda emphasised that empowering women requires creating enabling environments, noting that education must go beyond enrolment to completion.
She added that financial independence through skills acquisition in agriculture, tailoring, and technology could transform women into job creators, while improved maternal healthcare would enhance productivity and wellbeing.
The event featured panel discussions, financial literacy training, health and wellness sessions, and free career and business advisory services.
Participants also underwent basic medical screenings and showcased their products at a trade fair highlighting women-led enterprises. Organisers provided childcare and laundry services to support women with caregiving responsibilities.
A participant, Maryam Yusuf, said the programme equipped her with practical knowledge to grow her business.
Similarly, a volunteer, Halima Musawa, praised the initiative’s inclusivity, noting that it brought together women from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organisers said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote women’s economic inclusion, urging participants to leverage the knowledge gained and build sustainable networks.
