Empowering Women IDPs: RACE’s TAHAV project achieves milestone in Benue, gets commendations

By Johnson Arua

The Center for Redefining Alternative Civic Engagement for Africa (RACE) has marked a significant milestone in promoting economic resilience among women Internally Displaced in Benue State through its Promoting Women’s Economic Resilience (POWER) project.

Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue on the dissemination and sustainability of the project, Evelyn Ugbe, Executive Director of RACE, highlighted the progress made over the past ten months.

"After 10 months, we have successfully equipped 50 women with vocational and business management skills, established the TAHAV Women Cooperative Society, and launched the TAHAV Women Community Development Initiative, the first community development organization led by women IDPs," Ugbe said.

The project, she noted, has expanded from its initial cohort of 50 women to benefit over 200 women directly, with more than 1,500 women accessing Safe Spaces programs. The impact, she added, indirectly extends to over 5,000 women and their families.

Ugbe further emphasized the collaboration with government agencies to ensure sustainability. "The state government has agreed to take ownership of the structures we established. The State Cash Transfer Agency has committed to including TAHAV women in social protection programs, and the Benue State Bureau of Statistics will ensure their inclusion in future state-based social registries."

The initiative also targets business growth and export opportunities. "We got a strong commitment from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to provide training and capacity-building for these women, enabling them to produce export-quality goods," Ugbe added.

The project integrates protection against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through Safe Spaces, working with International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Sexual Assault Referral Centers.

Ugbe recounted a case where a beneficiary escaped an abusive partner, underscoring the dual impact of vocational and protective interventions.

While noting the collaborative efforts of its partners Ugbe said "We wouldn't have done this alone without the Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative, GERI. It is a partnership that has transformed lives. And I must say it is a passionate intervention," she added.

Ugbe concluded with a call for expanded partnerships. "We have over 8,000 women and girls in IDP camps who need support. The TAHAV model has proven successful, but to scale up, we need more investments, not just funds, but technical support, market access, and networks."

Other stakeholders lauded the initiative. Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director-General of Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), commended RACE for its achievements and assured continued support. Mr. Emmanuel Waghbo, Program Manager of the State Cash Transfer Unit, pledged that the women IDPs would be included in social welfare programs.

Ann Adulugba, representing the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), also praised RACE: "The mandate of NEPC is to promote non-oil exports. RACE is helping us achieve this by ensuring that women’s products are export-ready. We will continue to provide training and support to improve their livelihoods."

The event showcased a strong commitment from all stakeholders to sustain and expand the project, reinforcing RACE’s model as a blueprint for long-term empowerment of women IDPs in Benue State and even beyond.