Nigeria and the Women for Africa Foundation, a Spanish entity, are to partner on promoting education, leadership training, and empowerment for women in the country.
Dr. Teresa Langley, Director-General of the Women for Africa Foundation, said during a courtesy visit to the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), in Abuja that the collaboration would promote leadership skills among Nigerian women.
Langley added that it would also aid in harnessing women’s potential, breaking stereotypes against women in Africa, and improving access to research and documentation for development and planning processes.
“This is our first time working on the ground in Nigeria. We have a pilot project at the University of Lagos with women professors on leadership training.
“So that the leadership skills expand to the students and beyond the younger generations.
“I hope that we can figure out some synergies and specific collaborations that will contribute to having more power in the country,” she said.
Patricia Gomez, First Secretary, Spanish Embassy, said: “It is an honour for Spain to find in our private sector Women for Africa Foundation that they are really thinking ahead to all the talent that exists on the continent.
”So it is a pleasure for the embassy to be accompanying them today on this visit.”
Responding, Dr. Asabe Vilita-Bashir, DG, MBNCWD, said the partnership would empower women and improve their participation in leadership positions.
Vilita-Bashir assured them that the centre’s mandate revolves around research and documentation, training, and women’s empowerment, which is in line with the foundation’s core values.
She, therefore, stressed the need for more collaboration with the organisation and others to empower women with economic, leadership, and political skills.
”This is a hub for Nigerian women, and I want to appeal to you that whatever programs you want to set up in Nigeria, you should consider this centre as your starting point.
“Because this is the most conducive institution that can partner with your foundation effectively.
“Nigeria is going through challenges, and the women are not finding it easy, and we believe that your coming will bring some succor to our women, especially in the area of empowerment.
“Women are at the forefront of economic activities; if given the opportunity to boost their businesses or empower them, they will generate income.
“Our core mandate is research, and we have a lot ongoing that, if we collaborate with you, will help Nigeria, especially in areas such as violence against women, leadership positions, education, and capacity building.
“So if given the opportunity, we want to collaborate with you so that we can have robust training for our women, “she said. (NAN)
