From Savings to Business: 65 Bauchi Women Leaders Equipped to Build Stronger VSLAs, Better Livelihoods.

By Lizzy Carr.

Sixty-five women leaders from Alkaleri, Bauchi and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have received training in financial management, entrepreneurship, leadership and accountability aimed at strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and expanding women’s economic opportunities.

The three-day training organised under a Global Affairs Canada-funded project and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria through Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI) took place across the three local government areas.

The program officer of Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative Ruth Andrew said the training is to equip the women with knowledge and skills on budgeting, savings management, record-keeping, business planning, marketing, customer relations, leadership and accountability.

“The training is part of broader efforts under the project to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, leadership and participation through communitybased savings structures”.

She added that the exercise which is more of practicals will demonstrates how VSLAs can support not only savings and access to loans but also collective entrepreneurship and income generating activities when members have the necessary financial and business management skills.

A major highlight of the training was a practical business-planning exercise in which participants developed proposals for viable community businesses, including a cooperative poultry project.

Ruth Andrew said the intervention would help women manage VSLA funds more transparently, improve access to economic opportunities and promote sustainable income-generating activities within their communities.

Participants at the various local government areas presented challenges associated to the management of group funds and together with the facilitators came up with measures toward preventing financial mismanagement and building trust among members.

At the close of the training, participants received manuals and practical toolkits to support the continued application of the skills acquired.