Women’s Empowerment: An Essential Element of Social Development

Women are not only the most vulnerable victims of conflict, but are also disproportionately disadvantaged in terms of resources, access to services, education and human rights. Their vulnerability impacts their ability to realize their full potential in society. In Northeast Nigeria, women and girls in conflict-affected areas make up a large proportion of vulnerable internally displaced people, and many of these women bear the full responsibility for the safety and economic stability of their families. Ensuring women’s access to socio-economic services is essential to enable them to reclaim their lives and build a more prosperous future for themselves and their families.

Unleashing potential: UNDP intervention in Yobe State

To strengthen the economic empowerment and resilience of women in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, UNDP, through the Community Stabilization Facility, in partnership with the Yobe State Government, has been providing livelihood opportunities to the community through several interventions, including:

Another beneficiary of fishing gear

UNDP Nigeria/Amarachukwa Ibeneme

“This is the first assistance I have received since I lost all my possessions during the crisis,” Adama said. “This fishing assistance is important for women because in our culture, women are not allowed to go to the river to fish, but with this, they can fish at home and have the minimum means to support their families.” Adama Brama

Fishing Equipment: 100 female-headed households were provided with essential fishing equipment, giving them the means to become self-sufficient and generate income. This initiative not only promotes economic independence but also challenges cultural norms that restrict fishing in the river to women. Fishing equipment included plastic fish tanks, handheld tackle, fish fingers, buckets, and catfish bait.

Livestock: A total of 408 female-headed households have been provided with livestock, further diversifying their economic prospects. This financial assistance provides them with an additional source of income.

Cash grants: An additional 230 female-headed households received cash grants totaling 30 million naira. Each household received 100,000 naira to enable these women to start up small businesses or expand existing ones.

The impact of these interventions goes far beyond sustainable income: by providing women with economic livelihoods, they are less likely to re-engage with armed groups. Moreover, these interventions promote reconciliation and reintegration within communities, facilitating the reception of displaced people.

For many women like Adama Bulama, these alternative sources of income allow them to provide more for their families and envision a brighter future. Adama, one of the fishing assistance beneficiaries, lost everything during the crisis, her house burned down and she sought refuge with relatives in a neighbouring village. The crisis caused her to lose her business and she was struggling to get back on her feet to feed her children. Fortunately, with assistance, she will be able to rebuild a better life.

Lydia Nehemiah – Cash Benefit Recipient

UNDP Nigeria/Amarachukwa Ibeneme

Lydia Nehemiah’s story highlights the importance of cash assistance: for a woman struggling to feed her children, this assistance has given new energy to her business and ensured their well-being.

“As a woman, if you are a victim of the crisis without any support, life becomes 100 times harder. With this support, women like me can survive and dream of a better life and future for our children,” said Lydia.

While livelihood support is an important step forward, UNDP Nigeria recognizes that comprehensive support is essential. Our work with state governments and communities continues to provide holistic support that empowers women to lead better lives and fosters a gender-equal future. Through these efforts, women are not just beneficiaries, but builders of thriving societies.

Cash benefit recipients

UNDP Nigeria/Amarachukwa Ibeneme

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