Non-governmental Organization SieDi Hub Embarks on Life Changing Initiatives for Women, Marks 3rd Anniversary

In continuation of the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), a Non-governmental organization, SieDi Hub, has resolved to continue to improve the quality of life of women in rural communities through the launch of the “Nwanyibuihe Microcredit Support Initiative for Women Affected by Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Speaking virtually at an occasion in Umuahia to commemorate the NGO’s 3rd anniversary and the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerate Action on Women Leadership: A Policy Dialogue”., the Executive Director of the NGO, Dr Chinasa Imo, said that the scheme focuses on providing financial independence to women affected by GBV as well as to promote social justice, healthcare and sustainable enterprise.

Imo said that the initiative was evolved as part of the organisation’s efforts to tackle gender injustice and empower vulnerable women in the society stressing that the programme, which is supported by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, seeks to amplify the voices of women, especially in rural areas, through leadership training and advocacy.

The Executive Director maintained that the project had been designed to empower women to advocate for themselves, particularly those whose voices are often unheard or completely ignored adding that the project’s first phase, implemented in Oloko and Ariam Communities, highlighted several issues faced by women, particularly the financial difficulties experienced by survivors of GBV.

She said that many of these women lack access to funds, which impedes on their ability to break free from abusive situations and improve their economic status stressing that in order to address this gap, the NGO introduced a microcredit scheme aimed at providing financial support to women in various communities which offers funding opportunities to help beneficiaries start or boost small businesses, thereby fostering economic independence and resilience.

Speaking also at the event, the SieDi Hub Representative and Trustee Treasurer, Enyioma Ndukwe Orji, said the theme of the 2025 IWD celebration was apt, as it emphasized the urgency of advancing gender equality and inclusive development.

Orji noted that the yearly event usually affords SieDi Hub, a women and youth-focused organization based on Abia, to address challenges posed by technological advancements, including digital safety, through research, advocacy, policy engagements, and direct interventions.

According to the organization’s Trustee treasurer, the organization collaborates with youth, international partners, government Ministries, Department and Agencies, civil society and the media for impactful outcomes.

She noted that since inception of the organization, it has been a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to bridge gaps in essential services and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, adding that the milestone anniversary served as a reminder of the power of collective action in building a more just and equitable society.

Delivering her keynote address, the Speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Ursula Akanwa, advocated for women to be empowered so they could fully utilize their potentials.

Prof Akanwa insisted that leadership must begin to go beyond outdated norms that hinder women’s participation in leadership roles as she asserted that if women could effectively manage household responsibilities, then, they could equally take up leadership positions.

In his speech, the SieDi Hub Data and Policy Analyst, Mr Jang Charles, highlighted the NGO’s efforts to empower women through community engagements focused on leadership, decision-making, mentorship, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Charles said that the initiative aimed at enhancing GBV prevention and awareness had shown positive results, with 33% of participants reporting policy changes and improved community attitudes toward fighting GBV just weeks after the program.

He emphasised the need for collective action to build an inclusive society where women actively contribute to nation-building.

In her remark, the Commissioner for Women, Dr. Maureen Aghaukwa, described the theme as a timely call for a multifaceted approach, including promoting inclusivity, empowerment, education, policy reforms, and combating GBV.

Aghaukwa represented by a senior official of the Ministry, Mrs Beauty Osokwa, noted that the event contributes significantly to efforts aimed at enhancing women’s status and recognition.

Earlier, the President of Vicar Hope Foundation, Dr. Nkechi Ikpeazu, called for collective action towards promoting gender equality through inclusive leadership, combating GBV, empowering women, enhancing education and skills acquisition, and advocating policy reforms.

Ikpeazu represented by a director of the foundation, Prof Kate Ndukauba, urged stakeholders to fully implement the Abia State Gender Policy to ensure women’s voices are heard to create a more equitable and prosperous Abia.

In his Goodwill message, the Abia State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Comrade Victor Orji, congratulated SieDi Hub on its 3rd anniversary and the 2025 International Women’s Day conference.

He stated that the 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action on Women Leadership: A Policy Dialogue,” serves as a vital call to enhance policies that promote inclusivity, equality and sustainable development.

According to him, women’s leadership is not just a goal, but a necessity for societal progress, commending SieDi Hub for providing the platform to champion meaningful change, as well as, gathering impactful solutions for a more inclusive future.

He reiterated that the NOA, remained dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for gender equality and social justice, aligning with SieDi-Hub’s mission as he noted that the agency acknowledges the crucial role women play in community development, governance, and entrepreneurship, and supports policies that strengthen their leadership potential.

The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chilaka, who participated in the panel discussion, highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Nigerian Police Force. She emphasized that the force has become more gender-sensitive compared to the past.

Chilaka also informed the group about the NPF Gender Policy, which promotes inclusivity by enabling women to attain top ranks, ensuring a 30% recruitment quota for women, and introducing other progressive changes.

Audio:

During the panel discussions on gender-responsive policies and economic empowerment, the speakers emphasized the need for increased opportunities for women to bridge the leadership gap.

The event also included presentations from the Nwanyibuihe Project on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the official launch of Nwanyibuihe Community Project 2.0. As part of the empowerment initiative, selected women received a cheque of ₦100,000 to support their business startups. The celebration concluded with the cutting of the 3rd anniversary cake by members of SieDi Hub.

See photos below: