In a significant demonstration of philanthropy and a deep commitment to gender equality, Belgian human rights advocate Shalimar Abbiusi, through her non-governmental organization, the I Am Human Foundation (IAH FDN), has generously donated N15 million to empower 150 women in the Etsako West Local Council Area of Edo State, Nigeria. This impactful initiative, timed to coincide with Abbiusi’s birthday celebration, saw each beneficiary receive N100,000 to bolster their small businesses, marking a crucial step towards economic upliftment for women in rural communities.

Speaking at the event held in Auchi, Abbiusi articulated her philosophy on empowerment, stating, “Empowerment is not a gift; it is a right.” She passionately highlighted the pivotal role of women in society, asserting, “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.” Abbiusi, who also serves as the spokesperson for the AU International Organisation for the Transformation of Leadership (AU IOTL), underscored her primary mission in Nigeria: to provide women, particularly those residing in rural areas, with the necessary resources to expand their enterprises and live with dignity.

The empowerment programme was executed in close collaboration with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who commended the IAH FDN’s efforts and pledged his unwavering support for such initiatives. Senator Oshiomhole echoed Abbiusi’s sentiment on the economic prowess of women, declaring, “Shalimar and I believe that the greatest economists in Nigeria are women.” He further committed to replicating these empowerment programmes across other local governments within Edo State and extending similar support to all six local governments in his senatorial district, thereby ensuring broader access for grassroots women.

The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the financial assistance, emphasizing that the support would significantly enhance their businesses and improve their daily living conditions. Beyond the monetary aid, Abbiusi delivered a powerful message encouraging women to cultivate robust business habits. She advised them on the importance of consistent saving, reinvesting profits back into their ventures, and proactively transferring essential skills to the next generation. Her inspiring words, “When women rise, the whole community rises,” served as a rallying cry, urging women to take charge of their own empowerment rather than passively awaiting external intervention.

This particular empowerment event is one of many humanitarian projects spearheaded by the I Am Human Foundation, which is dedicated to advocating for and upholding the rights of women and girls across the African continent. The foundation’s consistent efforts underscore a holistic approach to development, recognizing that investing in women leads to the overall prosperity of communities.