From vulnerability to empowerment: POWER Project transforms lives of women in Benue IDP camps

By Kayode Adekunle

Women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State are achieving remarkable strides in economic independence and social resilience, thanks to the Promoting Women’s Economic Resilience (POWER) project.

Brainchild of the Centre for Redefining Alternative Civic Engagement for Africa (RACE) in partnership with the Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI), and funded by the French Embassy in Nigeria, the initiative has empowered hundreds of displaced women through skills training, mentorship, and enterprise development.

Speaking at a Peer-Learning and Mentorship Dialogue focused on the sustainability of the project, RACE Executive Director, Evelyn Ugbe emphasized the program’s long-term vision.

"Today we are here to discuss sustainability, peer learning, and evidence dissemination of the POWER project, which seeks to build the resilience of women in conflict-affected communities, particularly those in IDP camps,” she said.

Ugbe explained that the initiative goes beyond vocational and business skills by fostering partnerships with government institutions and the private sector to ensure inclusion of beneficiaries in social protection programmes.

The intervention has led to the creation of two pivotal structures—the Tahav Women Cooperative Society and the Tahav Women Development Initiative—aimed at sustaining the project’s achievements.

“What began with 50 women has grown into a cooperative of 200 members, while over 1,500 women and girls have benefited from safe spaces and peer-to-peer mentoring. These women are now equipped to advocate for their recovery and actively participate in the development ecosystem,” Ugbe noted.

She added that the project also reduces vulnerability to Gender-Based Violence, GBV, by addressing the economic challenges faced by displaced women.

Elizabeth Jeiyol, Team Lead of GERI, highlighted the project’s impact in Daudu II IDP camp and host communities. “We trained the women in tailoring, baking, hairdressing, and soap making over three months, alongside mentorship and monitoring,” she said, adding that the creation of safe spaces enabled beneficiaries to share experiences and access guidance.

“Through these platforms, we guided them on seeking help, resolving challenges peacefully, and engaging relevant authorities within the camp and host communities,” Jeiyol said.

The beneficiaries have also taken the initiative further by forming a registered cooperative and community-based organisation to support others. “They realized they should not keep the knowledge to themselves. The Tahav Women Development Initiative is helping them reach out to other women and girls, ensuring broader community impact,” she added.

Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, BICD, Director-General Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima praised the initiative as a model for civil society organisations. “My joy with this initiative is that it is a selfless intervention that should be emulated.

"What Tahav women have achieved in nine months is greater than what many could not attain in ten years,” he said, urging beneficiaries to leverage partnerships to expand their businesses and reach greater heights.

Barrister Ori Adam Onum also emphasized the role of collaboration. “We helped facilitate partnerships, trainings, and visibility. The impact has been significant, and it shows that empowering women strengthens the economic resilience of entire communities,” she said.

Other stakeholders, including the Chairman of Benue NGO Network Rachel Ityonzughul and CSO-B Program Manager Moses Makeri, commended RACE and pledged ongoing support. Hafsat Ayauga of the Benue State Cash Transfer Unit who stood in for the Program Manager reassured that cooperatives would be included in government registers, while Theodore Chia, Executive Director of the Centre for Family Empowerment, affirmed a continued partnership with the Tahav Initiative.

Beneficiaries shared testimonies of transformation. Orgbe Nguhiden, Coordinator of the Tahav Women Development Initiative, said, “Since the programme started, there is a big difference in how we speak, dress, and run our businesses. Some of us had nothing before, but now we have skills and sustainable income.” Precious Terwase added, “Before the programme, I had nothing to do. Now I can make hair, earn money, and take care of my needs.”

During the event, Dr. Dorcas Akpoghol, Managing Director of D’Fudi Cuisine, in her presentation encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship to boost the economy of individuals families.

She noted that it is the key to economic freedom and prosperity which must not be ignored by women if they want to have a say and be relevant in the scheme of things.

“Entrepreneurship is the way to go. It is about using what you have to create value. Start small, remain consistent, and never give up,” she advised.

Organisers said the POWER project has impacted individuals and households across IDP and host communities, with ongoing efforts focused on integrating beneficiaries into broader economic networks and scaling the initiative.