700 Women Share ₦73m Savings in Bauchi Through FOMWAN’s Empowerment Initiative

By Muhammad Auwal, Bauchi

Bununu, a quiet community in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, came alive at the beginning of the week as 700 women under the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) gathered to celebrate a remarkable achievement.

The women, drawn from 28 groups across different communities, shared out a total of ₦73,353,000 they saved through the Village Savings and Loan (VSL) initiative supported by ActionAid Nigeria under the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project.

Speaking at the event, the Bauchi State Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajiya Habiba Usam Sa’ad, said the initiative was aimed at empowering women to become self-employed, self-reliant and self-sustained. She emphasized that with greater support, the future of women in Bauchi State would be much brighter.

She also explained that the project was helping to reduce social problems, particularly in homes where financial demands often create tension. According to her, many women now support their husbands with household needs, thereby promoting peace in families.

One of the beneficiaries, Umma Shehu, a mother of nine, shared her remarkable story. Once struggling to provide for her children, Umma said her savings had grown to over ₦2.4 million through the scheme. She explained that her life had completely changed, as she could now contribute to her children’s education and support her husband in running the home.

“There is a big difference now. I don’t worry like before, because I can help my husband and take care of my children’s school needs,” she said with a smile.

Other women at the event echoed similar experiences, describing financial independence as the most rewarding outcome of the initiative. They noted that the scheme had not only improved their economic situation but also brought harmony into their families.

The Executive Chairman of Tafawa Balewa Local Government, who attended the event, praised FOMWAN and ActionAid Nigeria for the initiative. He pledged that the local government would support the programme to ensure its sustainability.

For the women of Bununu, the ₦73 million shared was more than just money. It symbolized hope, dignity, and the power of unity in transforming lives.