The Voice of Women Evolution (VOWE) Foundation, an NGO, has empowered over 100 women farmers with farm inputs and implements within Nkerefi Community in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State.
The farming inputs and implements, which worth millions of naira distributed, included: a bag of fertilizer and improved seedlings as well as hoe, cutlass and watering can among others given to each benefiting female farmer.
Presenting the inputs and implements to the women farmers on Monday in Nkerefi community, the Founder of VOWE Foundation, Mrs Sophia Uzodimma-Onovo, commended the women for their resilience and commitment in enhancing productivity in farming.
Uzodimma-Onovo, who was represented by Ms Chisom Nwagwu, Programme Officer of VOWE Foundation, said that the gesture was part of activities marking the 2nd Edition of ‘VOWE Women in Agriculture Scheme’.
The founder, who did not mention the monetary worth of the items, urged stakeholders to acknowledge the positive impact of women on food production and security, which impacts positively on the nation’s economy.
“Having joined the world in celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day, I urge us all to reflect on the important role of rural women, not just in agriculture but in every sector of our society.
“Let us continue to break barriers, open opportunities, and invest intentionally in women. Because when women succeed, our communities succeed. When women grow, Nigeria grows.
“To the 100 women receiving these farming implements today, we see your hard work, we recognize your strength, and we believe in your potential,” she said.
On the International Women’s Day, Uzodimma-Onovo said that the 2025 global theme of the Day, which is themed: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, was not just a slogan for VOWE Foundation.
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“It is a call to action, and a reminder that empowering women, especially rural women farmers, is one of the surest ways to foster development, food security and economic growth in our communities.
“Today marks a special milestone for VOWE Foundation. This event is not only a celebration of the resilience, strength, and contributions of women in our society.
“But it also marks the 2nd Edition of our Women in Agriculture Scheme, an initiative designed to support/empower rural women farmers as over 100 women farmers were also empowered during the first edition in 2024.
“Last year, we launched this scheme with the donation of farming tools and training to women in this community, and the positive impact has been truly inspiring,” she said.
Uzodimma-Onovo, who is also Chairperson, Board of Trustees of VOWE Foundation, noted that in the course of the years, women had increased their farm yields, improved their livelihoods and even begun small scale agro-businesses.
“Thus, they are helping to feed their families and educate their children as well,” she added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ada Ezeani, thanked the foundation for the gesture, adding: “The fertilizer and improved seedling are going to boost the yield in my farm in the forthcoming planting season.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Amaka Ukandu, appreciated the foundation for supporting women empowerment through farming; adding: “This empowerment will greatly support me and my family as I anticipate bumper farm harvest this year.”
