Women for Women International Nigeria at 25: Journey built on courage, sacrifice, power of women

When Women for Women International Nigeria began its work 25 years ago, the journey was far from easy. There were no guarantees of success. There were limited resources, difficult terrains to navigate and communities where women had spent years carrying the weight of poverty, conflict and exclusion.

But what started as a commitment to stand with women in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities gradually became a movement built on courage, resilience and transformation.

At the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebration held at The Oak, Woodhall Capital, Ikoyi, Lagos, guests did not only celebrate an institution. They celebrated thousands of women whose lives changed because someone believed they deserved an opportunity.

The anniversary theme: “25 Years of Undeniable Impact: Strengthening Women, Shaping Communities in Nigeria,” reflected the journey of an organisation that has spent decades helping women move beyond survival and become contributors to the growth of their families and communities.

One of the most powerful reflections on that journey came from Ngozi Uchena, former Country Director of Women for Women International Nigeria, who looked back on the organisation’s early years and the challenges of building its foundation.

Uchena recalled a time when the organisation operated with very little — limited resources, no vehicles and basic infrastructure — but with a strong determination to reach women who were often overlooked.

The early team travelled to communities under difficult conditions, sometimes using public transport and navigating challenging environments simply to meet women where they were.

Those early experiences shaped the organisation’s approach: change could not happen by staying distant from communities. It required listening, understanding and working alongside the women themselves.

Uchena also reflected on some of the programmes that became important parts of the organisation’s impact, including efforts to support women’s financial independence, engage men in conversations about gender equality and create opportunities for women who had previously been excluded.

She highlighted how the organisation introduced practical solutions based on the realities women faced, including helping women access financial services and developing training approaches that could reach women with different levels of education.

For many women, the impact was not only economic. It was personal.

The anniversary celebration brought forward stories of women who had moved from uncertainty to confidence, from isolation to leadership and from dependence to independence.

One beneficiary from Plateau State shared how she once believed her role was only to remain at home. Through Women for Women International’s programmes, she learned about saving, business development and leadership.

A small financial foundation helped her start a business, support her children’s education and eventually become a community advocate.

Her journey did not stop with her own progress. She used her confidence to challenge barriers facing women in her community, including advocating for women’s participation in local decision-making.

Another beneficiary, Queen Dauda from Bauchi State, spoke about experiencing the effects of conflict as a child and losing opportunities because of instability.

Through the organisation’s support, she gained knowledge in areas such as business skills, hygiene, sanitation and financial inclusion. She explained how those lessons helped her create positive changes not only in her household but also within her community.

These stories represent the deeper meaning behind the organisation’s work.

The goal has never been only to provide support. It has been to help women recognise their own ability to create change.

Over the years, Women for Women International Nigeria has worked with women affected by conflict, insecurity and poverty, helping them develop skills and confidence while strengthening the communities around them.

The journey has not been without challenges. Many communities continue to face insecurity, economic hardship and social barriers that limit women’s opportunities.

During the anniversary celebration, speakers acknowledged that while much has been achieved, there is still significant work ahead.

The next 25 years will require continued partnerships, stronger investment and a commitment to ensuring that more women have access to opportunities that allow them to thrive.