In a significant demonstration of philanthropy and a deep-seated commitment to women's empowerment, Belgian human rights advocate Shalimar Abbiusi has made a substantial donation of N15 million to support 150 women in the Etsako West Local Council Area of Edo State, Nigeria. This generous act, which saw each beneficiary receive N100,000, is aimed at bolstering their small businesses and is part of a broader effort to uplift women in rural communities. The initiative was carried out through her non-governmental organization, the I Am Human Foundation (IAH FDN), and notably coincided with Abbiusi's birthday celebration, which she chose to commemorate by giving back to the community.

Addressing the gathering of women in Auchi, Abbiusi articulated her philosophy: “Empowerment is not a gift; it is a right.” She further emphasized the pivotal role women play in society, stating, “As women, we are the backbone of society. We wake up first, run our homes, and still find time to do business. It’s time we empower ourselves.” As the spokesperson for the AU International Organisation for the Transformation of Leadership (AU IOTL), Shalimar highlighted her core mission in Nigeria, which revolves around providing women, especially those in underserved rural areas, with the necessary resources to foster business growth and live lives of dignity.

The empowerment event was conducted in collaboration with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who commended the I Am Human Foundation’s impactful work and pledged his unwavering support for such initiatives. Senator Oshiomhole echoed Abbiusi's sentiments regarding women's economic prowess, remarking, “Shalimar and I believe that the greatest economists in Nigeria are women.” He further committed to expanding these empowerment programmes to other local governments across Edo State, ensuring that more women at the grassroots level benefit from such vital financial aid and support. His promise extends to all six local governments within his senatorial district.

The beneficiaries, deeply appreciative of the timely financial assistance, conveyed their gratitude, expressing confidence that the support would significantly enhance their businesses and improve their daily lives. Beyond the direct financial aid, Abbiusi’s message to the women included vital advice on developing sustainable business habits. She encouraged regular saving, prudent reinvestment of profits, and the invaluable practice of passing on skills and knowledge to future generations. “When women rise, the whole community rises,” she declared, urging them to take ownership of their empowerment rather than waiting for external forces. This empowerment event is just one among several humanitarian projects undertaken by the I Am Human Foundation, which steadfastly champions the rights of women and girls across the African continent.