A business to empower women in northern Nigeria

Nakaura, Nigeria (ILO News) - Rahila Abdu, a 25-year-old woman from Nakaura, Katsina State, Nigeria, embodies resilience amidst adversity. She founded Household Essentials, a business focused on producing and selling liquid soap, body cream, insecticides, air fresheners, hair cream, agricultural products, and training other women in these skills.

Rahila’s entrepreneurial aspirations faced many obstacles early on, including financial constraints and cultural barriers that limited her education. As one of the few women in Northern Nigeria pursuing business, Rahila encountered challenges such as limited funding, a lack of mentorship, cultural restrictions, and difficulties in marketing her products. Undeterred, she joined the Rayuwa programme's Village Savings and Loan Association supported by the Pyxera Global project, and participated in the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training. This pivotal step empowered her to launch her venture, beginning with the production of liquid soap and body cream and later expanding her product range to serve neighboring villages. The SIYB training proved transformative, equipping Rahila with essential skills and networking opportunities that propelled her toward financial stability and independence.

The SIYB programme changed my life. I learned to believe in myself and my abilities, and now I am empowering others.

Rahila Abdu

Through the programme, Rahila learned business management techniques, such as business planning and marketing strategies. Additionally, SIYB fostered her character, competence and integrity. Empowered by this experience, Rahila gained access to microfinancing, created employment opportunities for two women, and improved her family's economic situation.

Before the SIYB training, I struggled to make ends meet. Now I not only feed my family, but I teach other women to be entrepreneurs.

Rahila Abdu