By Chinedum Treasure
No fewer than 100 older female sex workers (FSWs) have been empowered on entrepreneurship fundamentals by Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative (EHWEI), a leading community-based organization in Ebonyi State.
Programme Officer, Gloria Paul said the beneficiaries were equipped with vocational skills, through entrepreneurship seminars to improve their self-esteem and enhance their economic stability.
She said: “We’re aware of the daunting challenges older female sex workers in Ebonyi face, including poverty, dwindling economic opportunities, social exclusion, and heightened vulnerability to exploitation.
“EHWEI believes that with the right training, resources, and support, these women can break free from cycles of dependence and rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
“The initiative, which held simultaneously in Abakaliki and Ishagu, Ivo LGA, brought together the older female sex workers, 50 participants at each venue for intensive capacity-building workshops on vocational skills acquisition.
“At the workshops, we introduced participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and breaking barriers through Skills Training.”
While defining entrepreneurship as process of creating, managing and growing businesses for profit and social impact, Paul said, “the essence of every business is to get profits, and any business not giving profit is charity work.
”The participants engaged in roundtable discussions, storytelling sessions, and open dialogues where they voiced their preferences for skill acquisition.
“Popular vocational choices included make-up, gele tying, bead-making, hairdressing, baking, tailoring, catering, plumbing, tiling, and program design.
“The women unanimously requested that trainers conduct sessions within their communities and brothels, ensuring accessibility and comfort,” she added.
The Programme Officer however identified insufficient funding to expand the training, lack of transportation allowances for participants and limited duration of the program as part of challenges facing the organization.
One of the stakeholders, Ajah Uche, manager of of one of the Brothels in the state applauded EHWEI’s intervention, describing it as a “life-changing opportunity” for women who often struggle with limited alternatives.
EHWEI’s Executive Director Igwe Precious Nneka reaffirmed the group’s commitment of continued support towards paving way for a future where no woman was left behind due to stigma, age, or circumstance.
“By equipping older female sex workers with practical skills and resources, we are not just empowering individuals but strengthening entire communities.
“These women deserve dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live economically stable and independent lives.”
Igwe assured the beneficiaries of receiving start-up support to launch small businesses after completing the three-month training.
She also encouraged them to transfer their knowledge to peers, creating a multiplier effect within their communities.
Igwe listed other benefits of the training as vocational skills of choice identified for each participant; improved confidence and self-esteem reported among participants and support networks created to sustain engagement and peer learning.
“Next phase of the training will focus on 3 months of hands-on vocational training for the 100 participants; continuous monitoring to ensure quality training in a supportive environment and empowerment packages for the trained women to start their businesses,” she added.
The seminars ended with questions by participants which centered on post-training empowerment and sustainability, just as they expressed excitement and renewed hope about their future prospects.
