SELF and Bridge That Gap Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

– Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Nigeria

– Gender Equality Efforts by SELF and Bridge That Gap

– IWD 2025: Promoting Women’s Leadership for Socio-Economic Growth

On International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) and Bridge That Gap have intensified their advocacy for women’s empowerment as a catalyst for socio-economic growth. Despite women’s significant contributions to society, many still encounter barriers to accessing socio-economic benefits and fundamental human rights.

In Nigeria, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and face limited access to education, primarily due to pervasive gender discrimination and financial constraints. Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta, founder and CEO of SELF, highlights that in the northeastern region, entrenched societal norms and systemic exclusion often marginalize women. She emphasizes the necessity of overcoming these challenges to achieve accelerated action.

SELF, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women, envisioning a society where every girl and woman has equal opportunities for success. Fakuta asserts that educated and empowered women not only benefit themselves but also contribute significantly to their families, communities, and the nation, playing pivotal roles in driving growth. citeturn0search0Aligning with the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerating Action,” Fakuta calls for moving beyond discussions to implementing bold, tangible steps that effect real-world change. She honors women who persistently pursue their dreams, support others, and make sacrifices for their communities, urging collective efforts to transform gender equality from a distant aspiration into a present reality.

Bridge That Gap, an organization committed to bridging societal divides, echoes this sentiment by advocating for policies and initiatives that empower women, recognizing their essential role in driving economic growth and societal development. Both organizations aim to inspire governments, lawmakers, NGOs, and individuals to take decisive actions that impact women’s lives positively, ensuring women are not only included but also empowered to lead.These concerted efforts by SELF and Bridge That Gap underscore the critical importance of women’s empowerment in achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity, reinforcing the call for accelerated action towards gender equality on IWD 2025.