In an exciting new development, the Rural Development and Reformation Foundation (RUDERF) has officially launched an innovative Entrepreneurship Hub for Women in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria
This new initiative, supported by Google.org, aims to provide marginalized women, particularly single mothers, with skills, resources, and opportunities to create sustainable income.
Addressing Unemployment in Rural Communities
Over 13.7 million single mothers in Nigeria face overwhelming challenges, particularly the lack of job opportunities and the struggle to make ends meet with less than $2 per day. RUDERF’s new initiative is designed to directly address these challenges by offering economic empowerment through skill acquisition, job creation, and business development.
The OLEJU Project: Transforming Waste into Opportunity
The OLEJU Project stands at the forefront of this initiative, focusing on recycling and upcycling solid waste into valuable products. Through this process, women are trained to create high-quality items such as crafts, stationery, and home décor, which are then sold for profit. These products not only contribute to reducing environmental waste but also serve as a means of sustainable income for the women involved.
Key Features of the OLEJU Entrepreneurship Hub:
Skills Training: Participants undergo training on how to recycle waste materials into valuable products.
Employment Opportunities: Graduates can either become paid artisans in training or receive startup support to launch their own businesses.
Tech Integration: Through an online platform, beneficiaries gain access to a global market for their products.
Business Development: Ongoing support helps women grow sustainable businesses, boosting local economies.
Making an Impact
The Sapele Entrepreneurship Hub, one of four hubs being developed in the region, will serve as a resource center for economic development and empowerment of women in marginalized communities. With Google.org’s support, this hub will serve as a game-changer, offering free training and access to resources for women eager to become successful entrepreneurs.
Looking to the Future
RUDERF’s OLEJU Project aims to empower 980 women across the Niger-Delta, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in both business and life. The Sapele hub is just the beginning, with plans to scale across Nigeria and Africa, impacting more women and driving local economic growth.
Through this initiative, RUDERF is creating a sustainable future for women in rural and semi-urban communities, helping them break the cycle of poverty while contributing to the broader development of the Niger-Delta region.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform lives, one woman at a time.