In a significant move to empower women with disabilities and reduce street begging in Kaduna State, the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), in collaboration with Global Peace Women, provided financial assistance to 50 women with disabilities on Tuesday, aiming to support them in establishing small businesses. The initiative, which took place at Arewa House in Kaduna, seeks to transform the lives of these women, helping them gain financial independence and move away from life on the streets.
The event was led by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Country Director of GPFN, who highlighted the organization’s dedication to promoting peacebuilding, particularly through the empowerment of vulnerable groups like women and persons with disabilities. Speaking to journalists, Rev. Hayab underscored that the foundation’s work has long been rooted in engaging women in peacebuilding and addressing the poverty that so often undermines peace in communities.
“Poverty is a major obstacle to peace,” Rev. Hayab stated. “In our work with people with disabilities, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable they are in violent situations. Those with sight or mobility impairments can flee danger, but persons with disabilities often have no means to escape or defend themselves. It’s only by the grace of God that they survive such situations.”
Through its engagement with local communities, GPFN identified a large number of women with disabilities who face not only physical challenges but the added burden of raising children in poverty. Many of these women, Rev. Hayab noted, are Blind, Deaf, or persons with physical disability, yet continue to care for their families despite overwhelming odds. The cash grants provided to them aim to empower these women, enabling them to start small businesses and provide for their families.
“Without support, these women face immense struggles,” Rev. Hayab added. “But by empowering them, we not only change their lives, we strengthen their ability to care for their children and reduce their reliance on street begging.”
The initiative goes beyond simply offering financial aid. The foundation also provides training to the women, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to run successful businesses. Rev. Hayab emphasized that the goal is to give these women the tools they need to succeed, encouraging them to see new opportunities for a better future.
“We’re not just handing out money,” he explained. “We are helping them understand how to seize opportunities, how to manage their businesses, and how to improve their lives. By empowering these women, we are also fighting the exploitation and abuse they often face.”
Rev. Hayab called on well-meaning Nigerians to join in the effort to support women with disabilities, stressing that collective action is necessary to bring about meaningful change. “These women are capable of so much more than society often gives them credit for,” he said. “By giving them the chance to be independent, we’re reducing the number of people begging on the streets, and we’re helping to create a more peaceful, stable community.”
Two of the beneficiaries, Suzie David from the Television community and Dorcas Maikarfi, expressed their deep gratitude to the GPFN for the financial support. Both women pledged to make the most of the grants and expressed hope that their new businesses would not only help them but also improve the lives of their families.
Mrs. Hayab and Elizabeth David Hassan, who were also present at the event, urged the women to approach their new ventures with determination and integrity. “There is ability in disability,” Mrs. Hayab said, reinforcing the idea that these women have the potential to succeed, despite the challenges they face. She encouraged them to promote peace and good neighborliness as they embark on their business journeys.
This initiative is part of GPFN’s broader mission to empower marginalized communities and promote peace through sustainable development. By addressing the economic vulnerabilities of women with disabilities, the foundation hopes to reduce the root causes of poverty and conflict, contributing to a more inclusive and peaceful society.
As Rev. Hayab concluded, “Instead of condemning their situation, we have chosen to act. By providing them with financial support and training, we are helping to lift these women out of poverty, give them hope for a better future, and foster a sense of dignity and self-reliance.”
With initiatives like these, the Global Peace Foundation is making significant strides in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting peace through empowerment.
