To mark International Women’s Day 2025, the VOWE Foundation empowered 100 women farmers in Nkerefi, Enugu, with farm inputs to enhance productivity and economic independence.
The distributed items, worth millions of naira, included fertilizers, improved seedlings, hoes, cutlasses, and watering cans, ensuring that each beneficiary received essential tools to enhance their farming efforts.
Speaking at the event on Monday, VOWE Foundation Founder, Mrs. Sophie Uzodimma-Onovo, represented by Ms. Chisom Nwagwu, Programme Officer, praised the resilience and dedication of rural women farmers. She emphasized that empowering women in agriculture directly contributes to food security and economic growth.
“To the 100 women receiving these farming implements today, we see your hard work, we recognize your strength, and we believe in your potential,” Uzodimma-Onovo stated.
She highlighted that this initiative aligns with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” affirming VOWE Foundation’s commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and investing intentionally in women.
This marks the 2nd Edition of the VOWE Women in Agriculture Scheme, following its successful launch in 2024, when another 100 women farmers benefited from training and farming tools. According to Uzodimma-Onovo, the initiative has already led to increased farm yields, improved livelihoods, and the establishment of small-scale agro-businesses among past beneficiaries.
Expressing gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Okorie Victoria, said, “The fertilizer and improved seedlings will boost my farm yield this planting season.” Other beneficiaries, Mrs. Benson Chinyere and Nweke Catherine, also lauded the foundation’s efforts, emphasizing how the empowerment will positively impact their families.
The event underscored the critical role of women in agriculture and the importance of investing in rural women farmers to foster community development and economic sustainability.