In a significant move to support urban poor women in Nigeria, a local organization has unveiled an innovative market model aimed at providing dignified spaces for legitimate trade. This initiative was presented to government officials and stakeholders in Abuja, highlighting the pressing need for affordable and structured trading environments for women at the lower end of the social ladder.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
Bassey Bassey, the executive director of the organization, emphasized the importance of this market model, which has been developed through years of research. He explained that many urban poor women face considerable challenges in accessing formal markets due to high costs associated with renting or purchasing stalls. This often forces them to resort to hawking on the streets, where they encounter harassment from law enforcement due to regulations against street trading.
Bassey Bassey stated:
“What we’re doing here today is presenting the market—the market created between urban poor women and our organization, alongside our consultants, to the government and other stakeholders. The goal is to have the model adopted and replicated on the ground so that women who are disadvantaged can find dignified spaces to engage in legitimate trade.”
Addressing Financial Barriers
The model aims to address the financial barriers that prevent women from participating in formal markets, where even the so-called low-cost spaces can be unaffordable. By creating sustainable opportunities, the initiative seeks to empower these women, enabling them to engage in commerce within a supportive environment.
Support from Government Officials
Commending the initiative, Architect Ononokpono Nchota Benson, Acting Director of the Housing Satellite Towns Development Department at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), noted that this approach could contribute to reducing crime rates in society by providing legitimate means of income for vulnerable populations. She emphasized the need for increased partnerships with the federal government to drive essential developments for women in Nigeria.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards fostering economic empowerment for urban poor women, ensuring they have access to safe and dignified trading opportunities, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to the overall development of their communities.