What We Do

OUR PROJECTS

Our organization is involved in numerous projects for women and girls.

Since its inception in 2012, the Chikwem Foundation has undergone significant growth, expanding its reach and impact to address a multitude of needs faced by women and girls in vulnerable communities. With a steadfast commitment to standing alongside those in need until they can stand for themselves, the foundation has developed a strategic roadmap to guide its efforts from 2022 to 2027.

The Chikwem Foundation’s 2022 – 2027 Strategy is anchored in the overarching goal of enhancing the economic, social, and physical well-being of women and girls within its networks, both in Australia and overseas. At the heart of this vision is the belief that every woman and girl deserves full access to opportunity and choice, recognition of their diversity, appreciation for their contributions, and the freedom to participate in all aspects of life with safety and autonomy.

To achieve this vision, the strategy identifies three priority areas for action:

Economic Opportunity and Advancement: The foundation is committed to empowering women and girls by creating pathways for economic opportunity and advancement. This includes initiatives such as skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and access to financial resources aimed at fostering economic independence and resilience.

School Assistance and Excellence: Recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping futures, the Chikwem Foundation prioritizes providing assistance to ensure that all girls have access to quality schooling. This involves supporting initiatives to improve educational infrastructure, provide scholarships, and enhance educational outcomes for girls, thereby fostering excellence and unlocking their full potential.

Girls’ Education and Gender Equality: Central to the foundation’s mission is the promotion of girls’ education and gender equality in educational settings. By advocating for equal access to education and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender disparities, the foundation seeks to create environments where girls can thrive academically, pursue their aspirations, and break down barriers to gender equality.

The Chikwem Foundation’s 2022 – 2027 Strategy is supported by annual action plans, which outline specific initiatives, targets, and outcomes under each priority area. These action plans provide a framework for measuring progress and allow for flexibility to adapt strategies in response to emerging needs or opportunities. By aligning its efforts with this strategic roadmap, the foundation remains committed to driving positive change and creating a more equitable and inclusive world for women and girls everywhere.

EDUCATION​

Agnes Chikwem Girl’s Achievement Awards

The Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards serve as a prestigious platform to honor and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of female students in Nigerian public schools. Named in memory of the late Mrs. Agnes Chikwem, the awards recognize not only academic excellence but also the significant contributions these young women make to their schools and communities. Held annually in April, coinciding with Mrs. Chikwem’s posthumous birthday, the awards ceremony embodies a spirit of celebration and inspiration, motivating young girls to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and beyond.

Since its inception, the Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards have become synonymous with innovation, excellence, and educational achievement in Nigerian public schools. The awards not only highlight individual accomplishments but also celebrate the collective efforts of school communities in nurturing and empowering young female leaders. Each award recipient is honored with a cash prize, a specially curated gift bag, and a certificate, symbolizing both recognition and encouragement for their hard work and dedication.

From 2017 to 2024, a total of 35 exceptional young women have been honored with the Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards, representing a diverse array of talents and accomplishments. The impact of these awards extends beyond the individual recipients, inspiring a culture of excellence and ambition within participating schools and communities. To date, eight schools have participated in the awards program, with each institution playing a vital role in fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of its female students.

Moreover, the awards ceremony has been enriched by the presence of renowned female guest speakers who share their insights, experiences, and words of encouragement with the honorees. These distinguished speakers serve as role models and mentors, inspiring young girls to dream big, pursue their passions, and overcome challenges with resilience and determination. Their presence underscores the commitment of the Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards to empowering the next generation of female leaders and change-makers in Nigeria.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT ​

Chikwem Foundation Women’s Micro-finance Scheme

The Chikwem Foundation Women’s Microfinance Scheme stands as a beacon of empowerment for women hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Designed to provide crucial financial support to women entrepreneurs, this initiative offers small loans that serve as lifelines for income-generating activities or essential household purchases. What sets this scheme apart is its commitment to accessibility and sustainability – loans are provided without the burden of collateral or interest, ensuring that women can access the support they need without being hindered by financial constraints.

More than just providing financial assistance, the Women’s Microfinance Scheme goes the extra mile by offering comprehensive training and ongoing support to empower women to thrive in their businesses. By equipping participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, the scheme not only facilitates the success of individual entrepreneurs but also fosters economic resilience within communities. Ultimately, the goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change, as empowered women become catalysts for economic growth and development in their households and beyond.

Since its inception in 2019, the impact of the Women’s Microfinance Scheme has been nothing short of transformative. Fifty women have already benefited from the scheme, each experiencing newfound opportunities for financial stability and independence. What’s even more remarkable is the impressive 100% loan repayment rate, a testament to the effectiveness of the scheme and the dedication of its participants to building brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Crucially, the success of the Women’s Microfinance Scheme is bolstered by the collaborative efforts of women-led trade associations and local civil society organizations (CSOs). These partnerships not only amplify the reach and impact of the scheme but also ensure that it remains rooted in the specific needs and realities of the communities it serves. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of various stakeholders, the Chikwem Foundation is able to maximize the effectiveness and sustainability of its microfinance initiatives, creating lasting change for generations to come.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

School Support Program (SSP)

The Chikwem Foundation’s School Support Program is a cornerstone of its commitment to advancing education and empowerment opportunities for women and girls within communities. Through this program, financial assistance is provided to community and education groups to facilitate the planning and implementation of projects, events, and initiatives aimed at fostering educational excellence and empowerment.

One of the key initiatives under the School Support Program is the provision of school uniforms to female students in need. Recognizing the significance of proper school attire in fostering a conducive learning environment and boosting students’ confidence, the foundation has ensured that 70 female students have received school uniforms. This not only addresses a practical need but also serves as a tangible symbol of support and encouragement for these young girls to pursue their educational aspirations with dignity and pride.

Moreover, the School Support Program extends its reach to higher education by covering tuition and fees for two Nigerian female university students. By alleviating the financial burden associated with tertiary education, the foundation empowers these young women to pursue their academic dreams without facing barriers related to affordability. This investment in higher education not only transforms the lives of individual students but also contributes to building a more educated and empowered society.

In addition to direct support for students, the School Support Program also engages in broader educational initiatives through the delivery of public lectures. Five public lectures have been organized, reaching a total of 220 women and girls. These lectures serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, empowerment, and community engagement, covering topics relevant to women’s rights, leadership development, and educational advancement. By providing access to valuable information and resources, the foundation empowers women and girls to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and pursue their educational and professional goals with confidence.

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WOMEN AND GIRLS LEADERSHIP​

Training for Women and Girls

The Chikwem Foundation’s empowerment training program is a transformative initiative designed to equip girls and women with the tools and mindset needed to unlock their full potential and emerge as powerful individuals. More than just a series of workshops, this training serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-actualization, empowering participants to believe in their own strength and capabilities.

At the heart of the empowerment training program is a focus on fostering self-confidence and self-belief among girls and women. Through a combination of interactive sessions, skill-building exercises, and mentorship opportunities, participants are guided on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. They are encouraged to challenge limiting beliefs, overcome obstacles, and embrace their unique talents and abilities.

Moreover, the training program goes beyond surface-level empowerment by addressing deeper issues such as societal norms, gender stereotypes, and cultural barriers that may hinder women’s progress. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, participants are empowered to navigate these challenges with resilience and determination, emerging stronger and more confident in their ability to shape their own destinies.

Throughout the training, emphasis is placed on practical skills and strategies that can be applied in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. Participants learn effective communication techniques, assertiveness skills, goal-setting strategies, and stress management techniques, among other valuable tools. By arming girls and women with these skills, the foundation empowers them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Ultimately, the empowerment training program aims to instill a sense of agency and empowerment in girls and women, enabling them to take control of their lives, pursue their dreams, and contribute positively to their communities and society at large. As participants emerge from the training, they are not only empowered individuals but also agents of change, inspiring others to believe in themselves and strive for greatness.