A New Initiative to Empower Young Women in Nigeria and Kenya
In a significant move to address the challenges faced by young women in Nigeria and Kenya, the Standard Chartered Foundation has partnered with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited. This collaboration aims to create 1,500 decent jobs for young women aged 18 to 24 who come from underserved backgrounds.
The three-year partnership will focus on providing employment opportunities for young women who have already completed skills training programs offered by UNICEF Generation Unlimited. The initiative is designed to support the organization’s broader ecosystem of global and local partners, which operates through a public-private approach that has already shown progress in equipping youth with essential skills.
Focusing on Transition from Training to Employment
Participants in this initiative will be selected from the existing pool of young women who have successfully completed UNICEF Generation Unlimited’s skills training programs. The partnership will prioritize support that helps these beneficiaries transition from training into sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities.
UNICEF teams in Nigeria and Kenya will work closely with local job placement experts to connect young women with employment opportunities in the private sector. This effort includes exploring job pathways that align with local needs, leveraging collaborations with local government initiatives to ensure that the jobs created are relevant and impactful.
Commitment to Economic Opportunities
At the launch event in Lagos, Ayodeji Adelagun, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Nigeria Limited, emphasized the institution’s commitment to creating economic opportunities for young people through employment-driven initiatives.
“This collaboration underscores our steadfast strategic dedication to actualizing economic opportunities for young people through concrete employment initiatives. By integrating UNICEF’s comprehensive skilling ecosystem with our employability goals centered on work readiness and vocational training, we are establishing a sustainable empowerment framework that bridges talent development and actual job placement.
“Through the creation of dignified work opportunities, we contribute to fortifying local economies, exemplify private sector involvement in national development, and promote sustainable, inclusive growth,” Adelagun said.
Unlocking Potential for Young Women
Wafaa Saeed, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, highlighted the importance of this initiative in unlocking opportunities for young women who already possess the skills and motivation to succeed.
“Young women in Nigeria have the skills and the drive, what they need are real opportunities. When they are connected to decent jobs, they not only transform their own lives but also strengthen families and power communities. Unlocking their potential is how we move Nigeria forward, and this partnership makes that future possible,” Saeed said.
Impact on Inclusive Economic Development
This partnership is expected to have a positive impact on employment outcomes for young women in both Nigeria and Kenya. It also aims to strengthen private sector participation in inclusive economic development.
By focusing on the transition from training to employment, the initiative addresses key barriers that prevent young women from accessing stable and meaningful work. This collaborative effort between the Standard Chartered Foundation and UNICEF Generation Unlimited represents a step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for young women in the region.
