The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women has partnered with the ExxonMobil Foundation to develop the Road to Women’s Business Growth project.
“Women entrepreneurs play a powerful role in their societies and economies, often succeeding against huge odds. My Foundation is committed to supporting women in developing and emerging markets to access the skills, networks, technology and financial services they need to establish and grow successful businesses,” Cherie Blair, founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, said.
Women entrepreneurs face tough challenges in accessing financial services. The initiative plans to give women in Nigeria the financial tools they need to help them grow sustainable businesses.
“Research shows that expanding economic opportunities for women is integral to global development and broader economic progress,” Nolan O’Neal, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil Upstream Nigeria, said. “Today less than 35 percent of women in Nigeria have access to a bank account and many lack the capital needed to grow their businesses. This initiative takes an important step toward increasing financial literacy and access for women business owners.”
The initiative started in 2015 in Lagos, Abuja and Uyo, and so far, 500 women small business owners have received training.
Alerts Sign-up