About Us
WADHI BRIEF
Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI)
Address: Suite 1, First Floor, Asokoro Mall, Thabo Mbeki Close, Asokoro, Abuja
Telephone: +234(0)7046673333
Email: kowgo.wadhi@gmail.com; info@wadhi.org.ng
WHO WE ARE:
Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI) is a non-profit
organization, established in 2016, dedicated to addressing systemic inequalities and the
exclusion of women in various sectors, particularly in economic markets.
OUR APPROACH:
Our approach is rooted in human rights and sustainable development principles, leveraging global, regional, and national frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol and Business for Human Rights (BHR) Principles, to curate solutions. With our competent team of staff, and pool of highly skilled and experienced consultants, we work with a network of associates, women’s groups, cooperatives and community-based organizations across Nigeria, the African region and globally.
With a strong focus on empowerment of marginalised people, including vulnerable,
disadvantaged women and youths often at the bottom of the economic pyramid, WADHI is committed to providing high-quality services in vocational skill training, business development support, mentorship, coaching, and market access facilitation.
GLOBAL GOAL:
As we strive to contribute to realizing globally agreed normative frameworks, human rights laws and instruments including the SDGs for equitable development and peace for all of humanity, WADHI continues to provide skills, tools, partnership opportunities and market access to both rural and urban women through the jointly organized monthly hybrid Arahah market serving as both a physical trading platform and training ground for WMSMEs.
THEMATIC AREAS:
● Economic Empowerment and Digital Technologies
● Rights Protection - Gender-Based Violence and Women, Peace and Security
● Policy and Legal Reforms, Governance and Inclusive Services:
SERVICES/DELIVERY MODALITIES:
● Business Development Support Vocational Skill Training:
We provide tailored training programs focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills, and financial literacy. We also assist individuals in refining business ideas, creating viable
business models, de-risking small business to enhance bankability and access to
financial resources through our innovative Kowgo Application- a digital tool that enhances financial inclusion for MSMEs. To date, the “Kowgo App” has
served to expand access to resources and helped to upskill as well as boost the
productivity of over 5,000 women.
● Mentorship, Coaching Referrals:
Utilizing our pool of experienced professionals, we work to ensure that trainees gain practical, hands-on experience, which is critical to their reintegration into society, the workforce, and long-term career development. By working closely with employers and partners in various industries such as healthcare, digital technology, climate smart infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, education and more, we create a seamless pathway for trainees and beneficiaries to transition from training to the marketplace. We also provide referral pathways for GBV case management.
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● Market Access Facilitation:
We help entrepreneurs access markets including through e-Commerce, hybrid market platforms and networking with relevant stakeholders across sectors and value chains. In particular, we leverage global emerging market opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Entrepreneurs are provided with a broader perspective on international trade, branding, standardization to overcome barriers using our “Arahah Market” Project as a practical learning and hybrid trading platform working with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, women's groups and private sector organizations
● Policy Advocacy Research:
WADHI has also in its pursuit to end women’s exclusion, improve inclusive governance and promote the women, peace and security agenda, established strong partnerships with leading stakeholders including GIZ, ECOWAS, UN Women, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Office of the Speaker House of Representatives of the National Assembly for Legislative and Policy Reforms to change the narrative on women’s security, economic standing, rights protection, leadership and good governance.
Capacity Building: Over the years and with the support of various development partners such as RoLAC, the British Council, UN Women, NILDS, WISCAR and many others, WADHI has facilitated training programs for state and national level legislators, other CSOs, NAPTIP staff and various community and traditional leaders. These interventions have focused on improved domestication, implementation, modelling and reporting of CEDAW, UNSCR 1325, the VAPPA, efficient GBV Information Monitoring/Referral Systems, Gender Responsive Budgeting, Affirmative
Procurement and other normative frameworks and international human rights instruments.
THE WADHI KOWGO INNOVATION
An indigenous gender-friendly online Digital Application for addressing the gender digital
divide and for enhancing financial inclusion of formal and informal Micro and Small-scale
entrepreneurs across sectors.
KOWO INNOVATION FEATURES:
● Financial Literacy
● Manage Business Finance
● Save Money
● Access Loans
● Trade
WADHI BOARD, ASSOCIATES, PARTNERS
Board
● Mme. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia
● Hon. Iyom Josephine Anenih
● Prof. Patricia O. Donli
● Dr. Otive Igbuzor
● Mrs. Amy I. Oyekunle
● Mrs. Chika C. Pius
Associates
● International, Regional National Non-Government Organizations
● Women Cooperatives Community Groups
● Nigeria CEDAW Team
Partners
● Bank of Industry
● British High Commission
● Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
● Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC)
● GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)
● Embassy of Japan
● ECOWAS
● Tanzanian Embassy
● Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
● USAfrica Network
● National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)
● UN Women Country Office
● Maryam Babangida National Centre of Women Development (MBNCWD)
● National Assembly
● Action-Aid
● Cities for CEDAW History Future Project
● NGO-CSW/NY