Irene Oluwashina has launched the Freedom Skills and Enterprise Initiative (FSEI), a programme aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women through vocational skills training, entrepreneurship development, business mentorship and leadership support.
Funded by the Freedom Fund and implemented by the Emmanuel Igbinovia Foundation, the initiative seeks to strengthen women’s economic resilience by providing participants with practical skills, knowledge and support to build sustainable livelihoods, grow enterprises and improve their long-term economic well-being.
The initiative has commenced practical skills training in the beauty, food and information technology sectors. The sectors were selected because they offer pathways to entrepreneurship and self employment, allowing participants to develop market-relevant skills that can translate into income generating opportunities and business growth.
Speaking at the skills acquisition training, Oluwashina highlighted the importance of investing in women’s economic agency as a pathway to broader social and economic development.
“Economic empowerment is not only about income generation; it is about expanding opportunities, strengthening resilience and enabling women to participate fully in economic and community life,” she said.
The initiative combines vocational training with entrepreneurship, mentorship and leadership development, providing participants with practical tools and support to build sustainable livelihoods, increase their economic security and develop viable enterprises.
“Through the Freedom Skills and Enterprise Initiative, we are investing in practical skills, entrepreneurship, mentorship and leadership development that can help women build sustainable livelihoods, increase their economic security and unlock their potential as drivers of change within their communities,” Oluwashina said.
In addition to vocational training, participants will receive business mentorship, financial literacy support and enterprise development guidance aimed at helping them move from skills acquisition to business ownership and sustainable income generation.
The programme’s focus on practical economic opportunities is also intended to strengthen women’s capacity to contribute to household well-being, local economic growth and community resilience.
“When women have access to skills, resources, mentorship and economic opportunities, they are better positioned to contribute to household well-being, local economic growth and community resilience,” she said.
The initiative is rooted in the principles of women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. It seeks to strengthen participants’ ability to establish, manage and grow viable enterprises while fostering confidence, leadership and long-term economic independence.
The programme comes at a time when women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood programmes continue to gain prominence across the development sector as pathways for reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and strengthening community resilience.
Through its focus on entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, the Freedom Skills and Enterprise Initiative aims to support women in building sustainable livelihoods and achieving lasting economic security.