Victor EzejaA UNITED States government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world, has launched the third edition of Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Lagos.
In a statement signed by Temitayo Famutimi from the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, the United States Mission in partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation, selected 250 women from a pool of 15,700 applicants across various industries, for the training
During the launch of the programme, the U.S. Embassy in Chargé d’Affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon, expressed the U.S government’s commitment to supporting women in breaking barriers, and stated that AWE was designed to empower female entrepreneurs to fulfill their economic potentials and gain financial independence.
In her words, “When women are economically empowered, they re-invest in their families and communities, strengthening the social fabric of society, education, and skill levels of the workforce. This multiplier effect spurs economic growth and enhances stability.”
A beneficiary of the previous edition of AWE, Jumoke Olowookere, shared her success story with the new participants. According to her, AWE connected her to the right networks and resources to fund her dreams and build the first waste museum in Nigeria.
The statement added that over the next three months, participants would have access to the DreamBuilder platform- a blended business training course developed through partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and popular global copper mining company, Freeport-McMoRan.
Also, AWE alumni, notable business leaders and women entrepreneurs, will be on ground to mentor the applicants, and also facilitate lessons related to business planning, management, and funding.
AWE was established in 2019 by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), to augment the existing slates of projects focused on women empowerment. So far, a total of 220 women entrepreneurs have successfully participated in the programme.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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