Empowering Lagos Market Women: Unlocking the Benefits of Environmental Protection

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Charitable Network for Community Empowerment (CHANCE) is helping women traders in Lagos learn about family and community safety. They are also showing them how to make money while promoting environmental sustainability.

In partnership with the Lagos State Government, CHANCE aims to empower women. They want to show how everyday actions can lead to a cleaner and healthier environment. During a recent event at Computer Village in Ikeja, CHANCE’s founder, Olajumoke Saliu, emphasized that a clean environment is essential for health and economic growth.

The event, themed “Empowered Women, Cleaner Communities, Greener Future,” was a chance to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices. Saliu encouraged the women to think about waste management and environmental issues and how they can contribute to a greener future.

Women leaders and traders learned practical steps for improving their market environment. They focused on the importance of proper waste management and recycling. For example, they were taught how to creatively repurpose items they no longer use. This not only helps reduce waste but can also spark new income opportunities.

As part of the activities, the women participated in a hands-on workshop to learn about upcycling, home gardening, and food security using recycled materials. Saliu highlighted how market spaces could become economic powerhouses with proper waste management, benefiting both the environment and their community.

Oreoluwa Finnih, a special adviser to the Lagos governor on Sustainable Development Goals, noted that education and commitment are vital for achieving these goals by 2030. He urged everyone to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to their health and community.

Finnih also discussed recent government policies, such as the ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam, aimed at improving the environment. He stressed that waste management is crucial to protect communities and that everyone needs to take responsibility for their waste.

Titilayo Oshodi, another adviser for climate change, echoed the importance of educating women on these issues. She believes that raising awareness about sanitation and waste management is essential for building a community of environmentally responsible citizens.

Temitope Okunnu from the Foundation for a Better Environment explained that turning waste into wealth is possible. She urged traders to view waste as a valuable resource rather than garbage. Through training, they learned to turn discarded items into practical products, fostering skills that can lead to new business opportunities.

The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Abisola Azeez, expressed gratitude for the training and emphasized the importance of waste management for income generation. The traders are eager to learn and implement these new skills to enhance their livelihoods. This initiative not only empowers women but also contributes to creating a more sustainable Lagos.

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