In their continued efforts to uplift women and girls in Enugu State, the Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET), a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO), has expressed its intention to collaborate with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu.
The announcement came to light during a sensitization and familiarization visit paid by members of WOSCONET to the management of IMT on Thursday. Addressing the management team of IMT, President of WOSCONET underscored the organization's commitment to equipping women and girls with diverse skills, thus fostering their socio-economic independence and contribution to society.
"We believe in empowering women and girls to acquire various skills, enabling them to become productive and self-reliant individuals," remarked the Founder of WOSCONET, Amb. Mrs Amaka Nweke JP. who was represented by the Vice President of the group, Mrs Ezeaku Patience Nnenna. She highlighted WOSCONET's past initiatives, which have already empowered over 210 women in areas such as cake making, soap production, phone appliance repair, as well as fashion and design, among others.
Amb Nweke emphasized the current challenges in securing traditional employment opportunities, stating, "Jobs are hard to come by these days, so it will be beneficial for graduates to learn skills that make them employable while also fostering entrepreneurship."
The collaboration with IMT, a renowned institution known for its commitment to entrepreneurship education, presents a strategic opportunity to expose women and girls to the institution's facilities and expertise in skilled manpower development. The women group emphasized the importance of tapping into the latent potential of women to confront life's challenges effectively.
"We envision a partnership with IMT to optimize the utilization of the entrepreneurship school's equipment by both students and the school management," Nweke explained, underscoring the mutual benefits of such cooperation in promoting skill acquisition among women and girls.
In response, the Rector of IMT, Prof. Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze JP, expressed his gratitude for the visit and commended WOSCONET's initiative in seeking to partner for women's skill empowerment. Professor Nweze encouraged WOSCONET to submit a proposal outlining the specifics of the partnership, assuring them of the institution's keen interest in deliberating further on the collaboration, commending in as a welcome development, promising that IMT management will do anything within their means to ensure that the partnership becomes a success.
Following the discussions, WOSCONET delegates embarked on a comprehensive tour of the IMT Entrepreneurship Facility, which houses a myriad of departments catering to various skill sets. From the paint-making section to hairstyling, shoe making, photo studio, art studio, and baking facilities, the tour showcased the institution's commitment to providing practical training opportunities across diverse fields.
Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, the visionary founder of WOSCONET, emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with Governor Peter Mbah's policy agenda in the relentless fight against poverty. By equipping women and girls with valuable skills, the partnership between WOSCONET and IMT aims to contribute significantly to poverty alleviation efforts in Enugu State.
Moreover, WOSCONET's strategic decision to collaborate with IMT underscores its dedication to supporting the administration of Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Recognizing IMT's potential as a burgeoning innovation and technology hub in the South East region, the partnership signals a collective effort to harness the institution's resources for the greater good of the community. As both organizations join forces, the stage is set for transformative change, paving the way for a brighter future for women, girls, and the entire Enugu State populace.
The proposed partnership between WOSCONET and IMT holds great promise in advancing the cause of women's empowerment in Enugu State, heralding a new era of skill acquisition and economic independence for women and girls across the region. As stakeholders await the formalization of this alliance, anticipation runs high for the transformative impact it will undoubtedly bring to the lives of countless women and girls in the community.
