(C), in safari suit and trousers, Perm. Sec. Edo Min. of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien representing the Commissioner, Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah and members; ‘Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation’ (BeLiEF and Care Foundation)
From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has reassured of its commitment to improving the lives of women, girls and vulnerable groups through strategic partnerships.
The Ministry made the reassurance when it received in audience; the Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation (BeLiEF and Care Foundation), a non-governmental organisation established by the Office of the First Lady of Edo State.
This was made known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Thursday, 6 August, 2026, by Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry.
Discussions during the visit reportedly focused on strengthening collaboration in the areas of women’s economic empowerment, gender equity, education, livelihood development and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Sitted (C), Perm Sec. Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien receiving in her office, members of the Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation (BeLiEF and Care Foundation)
The Ministry’s Commissioner, Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, described the Foundation’s objectives as complementary to its mandate of promoting the welfare and rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Hon. Mrs. Abdallah was said to have noted; that the Foundation’s focus on women’s economic empowerment, gender equity and education aligns with the Ministry’s vision of building a society where women and vulnerable persons are empowered to realise their full potential.
“Our mandate is to empower, protect and advance the rights of women, girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
“We are delighted that the BeLiEF and Care Foundation is seeking to partner with us, and we believe this collaboration will create lasting impact for the people of Edo State,” the Commissioner stated.
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She was said to have commended the Foundation’s two-phased economic empowerment model, which targets both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners; describing it as a practical strategy for improving women’s economic independence.
The Commissioner also encouraged the organisation to strengthen its grassroots advocacy and collaborate with development partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme to expand its reach and impact, it was stated.
As she further highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence through the decentralisation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
Continuing, Hon. Mrs. Abdallah reportedly disclosed that with support from the IOM, SARC is currently operational in Uromi, while another office is being established in Auchi to ensure that survivors outside Benin City, have easier access to medical, psychosocial and legal support services.
Earlier, the Communications Manager of BeLiEF and Care Foundation, Kelvin Lawrence presented the Foundation’s strategic roadmap.
Lawrence was said to have informed, that the Foundation was established to implement sustainable programmes that would continue to benefit women and vulnerable persons beyond the lifespan of the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
He unveiled several flagship initiatives, including the Women’s Action for Wealth (WAW) Creation programme, which will equip women between the ages of 18 and 35 with entrepreneurship training, financial literacy and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration support, while also providing growth opportunities for women with existing businesses, it was said.
Lawrence also highlighted the Proudly Edo Products Initiative, designed to improve the branding and marketability of products made by local women entrepreneurs.
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Also; an Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme that will support rural women farmers with market access, storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
On gender equity, he explained that the Foundation would address the economic and socio-cultural drivers of gender-based violence through advocacy and community engagement.
Further, he announced plans to introduce a “He for She” initiative aimed at educating and engaging young men to support women’s economic advancement and promote peaceful homes and communities.
As he added; that the Foundation’s educational interventions would include the Total Women’s Health Programme focusing on mental, menstrual and reproductive health; the Edo Children’s Educational Excellence and Leadership Initiative (CELLI) to nurture academic excellence and leadership among children.
Others he said include; Technology and Vocational Skills Development Programmes to equip women with relevant digital and vocational skills.
The Foundation also sought the Ministry’s partnership in implementing a Statewide awareness campaign on Sexual Assault Referral Centres, to improve public awareness of available support services and encourage prompt reporting of sexual and gender-based violence cases, it was further stated.
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