Business expert urges govt to establish fund for women with special needs

A seasoned business management consultant, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, has called on the three tiers of government to establish a fund specifically for women with special needs, such as autism, for their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Ndukwe made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).

She said that the fund, when established, could also help to promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that these women have equal opportunities to succeed in their education, training and other endeavours.

“The period of transition from dependence to independence is a daunting one, so, supports for this transition will be quite impactful.

“This year’s International Women’s Day is a reminder of the progress made towards gender equality, and the work still to be done.

“I believe women should be celebrated for their resilience, determination and contributions to their communities.”

According to Ndukwe, revolutionising the lives of young autistic women in Nigeria through various innovative initiative such as “autispreneurship” is necessary for the stability of the society.

“Autistic individuals face unique emotional, physiological, psychological and social challenges, which can be overwhelming.

“While support systems are often in place during childhood, the transition to adulthood can be daunting; our project offers a beacon of hope, empowering these remarkable women to thrive.

“Autispreneurship goes beyond education and literacy. It provides a comprehensive platform for young autistic women to acquire skills, knowledge and confidence.

“Our mission is to enable them to create innovative solutions, generate sustainable income and make informed financial decisions through the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills development, life skills coaching and so on.”

She added that the initiative would provide a comprehensive support system, while the “autispreneurship” would bridge the gap in services for young autistic women, enabling them to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling and independent lives.

“I believe women can be assisted through a range of initiatives, including mentorship programmes that pair them with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs.

“These women should have access to funding and resources for business start-ups and expansion, as well as training and education programmes that focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and digital skills.

“There should be advocacy efforts that promote policy change which should raise awareness about the challenges faced by women.

“There should also be community-based initiatives that provide support networks and promote social inclusion,” Ndukwe added.

NAN reports that the International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, to remember women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement.