Education is a powerful catalyst for change. Especially in a country like Nigeria, where gender disparity in access to education has long been a pressing issue. In this context, Women Empowerment Through Education (WETE) stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to uplift and empower Nigerian women through education.
The need to improve girls’ education in Nigeria
Education is a fundamental human right, an engine of growth and one of the most effective tools for eradicating poverty and promoting gender equality, health, peace and stability. Every additional year of education is associated with a 9% increase in hourly wages globally. Moreover, education promotes social cohesion and long-term economic prosperity.
Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has faced several socio-economic challenges, including gender inequality. Historically, Nigerian women have had limited access to education due to patriarchy, traditional preferences, gender-based violence and child marriage, which resulted in limited opportunities.
As President Muhammadu Buhari stated on January 16, 2020, about 13.2 million children are out of school in Nigeria, with 60% of them being Nigerian girls. This inequality perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability for many Nigerian women.
When women are educated, they are able to make informed decisions about their lives, health and finances. It also improves their employment prospects, contributing to economic independence and breaking the cycle of poverty. Recognizing this, Women’s Empowerment through Education was launched to address these issues head on.
Women Empowerment Through Education (WETE)
Founded in 2015 and registered with the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, “Empowering Women through Education” began as a transformational project that changed the lives of 11 young women from poor families, many of whom were recruited from their villages to work as domestic servants and help on other people’s farms without adequate wages. Under the guidance of Dr. Mary Rose Clarett, the initiative has become a beacon of hope, showing these women and many others a path to empowerment and a brighter future.
Empowering Women Through Education is a multifaceted organization currently working to empower women in Nigeria. Core to WETE’s mission is to provide comprehensive education and training programs designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen paths.
Through its diverse initiatives, WETE offers workshops that build essential career skills as well as foster personal growth and confidence.
Beyond education: Fostering holistic empowerment
While education is undoubtedly a key foundation for girls’ empowerment, its impact is maximized when combined with a holistic approach that addresses other important aspects of a girl’s life. Empowering Women Through Education recognizes that true empowerment goes beyond the classroom. The organization excels not only in providing education but also in nurturing personal growth, promoting skills development and addressing pressing social issues.
The organization’s efforts extend to a focus on addressing social issues: the organization provides scholarships to girls who are persecuted for their faith, helping them to receive a quality education by providing scholarships.
Additionally, WETE provides critical medical services to women in need, prioritizing their physical health. WETE also recognizes the vital role of women in agriculture and provides critical support to help them become self-reliant in this field. Additionally, the organization compassionately supports abandoned children and addresses the issue of acute malnutrition, reflecting its commitment to women empowerment and community development.
Combined with a holistic approach, Women Empowerment through Education embodies the transformative power of education. By addressing not only academic needs but also personal development, health care and social issues, the organization is shaping a brighter future for girls in Nigeria.
– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Unsplash
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