TAWN Echoes Determination to Fight Poverty

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A non-government organisation known as The African Women Network (TAWN) has reaffirmed its determination to help eradicate poverty among women.

Recently, the group, which was established to help empower African women, organised a free skills acquisition programme at the Waterside community in the Ogba area of Lagos State.

The event was part of activities rolled out to celebrate the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD) themed Choose to Challenge.

President of TAWN, Mrs Pat Okeahialam, while speaking at the programme, noted that the theme for IWD this year was particularly profound for TAWN as the group remains determined to show up all forms of unfair practices against women in the society even as it remains resolute to impact women with different skills that would benefit them economically.

On the free acquisition programme, she said TAWN was very passionate about women and is desirous to see women, no matter their status in society, excel in their chosen profession using their talents or acquired skills.

It is that passion to help women fight poverty, injustice, diseases, idleness, inequalities in societies that underscored the free training for women in the Ogba community, she stated.

“At TAWN, we believe that people are the greatest asset we have and the greatest infrastructure that we build upon, especially the women.

“And that is why we are determined to ensure that every woman and youth benefit from the policies and programmes of TAWN. We hope to empower women across the continent through targeted initiatives,” Mrs Okeahialam said.

Participants were taught different skills they could immediately use to financially empower themselves and their families like bead making and liquid soap making, handled by Mrs Blessing Njideka Adebola.

Balloon decoration and yoghurt making were handled by Mrs Okeahialam, while tie & dye was taken by Mrs Iyobosa Ikade, the arts teacher in American International School, Lagos.

The beneficiaries of the training commended TAWN for the laudable initiative, assuring that they would utilise those skills because they are very relevant to their financial stability and growth.

Mrs Bernice Mbaolu, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said, “God bless you. We are so grateful for what you people have done for us today.

“What you have taught us can never be forgotten by us. With these new things we have learnt today, we will be able to help our husbands; we will no longer depend on our husbands or children for everything. We can make a living from these skills. Thank you very much.”