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Giving Women a Voice: The 100 Women Groups (Nigeria)
Date Published: 1 January 2003 Document Type: Project Report Issue: Advocacy & Policy, Democracy & Governance, Family Planning & Reproductive Health, Gender-based Violence Languages: English Country: Nigeria Purchase Method: Download |
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Under the ENABLE project, CEDPA/Nigeria provided technical assistance and modest funding to support local, state, inter-state and national coalitions to advocate for women's issues. These coalitions, known as 100 Women Groups, consist of up to 100 women who represent 10 to 15 community-based organizations. By 2000, 686 groups with more than 150,000 members were active. A 2001 evaluation found that group members reported enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence after joining the group as well as greater knowledge and skills in reproductive health, income generation and political participation. The groups have initiated income-generation and literacy programs, provided civic education to women, trained women candidates, resolved local conflicts, advocated for girls' education and educated communities about safe motherhood, family planning and HIV/AIDS. The 100 Women Group strategy is now a recognized and respected approach to promote women's empowerment and their participation in civil society.