DO & UN Women initiate WEEAP Training Programme

In order to empower 2,500 women-led businesses, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) ‘Do Take Action Organisation’ (DO) has made an alliance with UN Women in in Nigeria and other West Africa countries through Affirmative Procurement. The alliance has introduced the Women Economic Empowerment via Affirmative Procurement (WEEAP) training programme in the West Africa region in the month of May 2023.

The flagship program has been launched in 4 different countries that includes Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. It comes with a focus to bridge the gender gap in public procurement by making opportunities for women-owned businesses accessible as well as fostering a more inclusive economic environment.

Precious Ebere, CEO of DO, said, “The WEEAP programme is a critical step towards achieving gender equality in West Africa. By providing women-led businesses with the tools and resources they need to compete for public contracts, we are not only empowering women but also unlocking the full economic potential of the region.”

Additionally, Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyimadu, Programme Specialist for Women Economic Empowerment at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) said, “This programme is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive positive change. By working together, we can create a future where women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive and contribute fully to the economic development of West Africa.”