Project Karakata: Expanding Women’s Economic Empowerment to Ondo State

Economic empowerment remains central to the work of BruderHilfe Social Development Initiative, particularly for women living in rural and underserved communities. One of the organisation’s key interventions driving this effort is Project Karakata, a human development initiative focused on practical skills acquisition and sustainable income generation.

Launched in 2021, Project Karakata is designed to reduce poverty, promote gender equality, strengthen women’s economic rights, and support decent work and inclusive economic growth. Through the project, women who previously lacked access to stable livelihoods receive training, financial support, and mentorship to establish small businesses.

To date, 54 women across Ogun, Niger, Katsina, and Lagos States have been supported to start income-generating ventures, improving household stability and community resilience.

The next phase of the project was scheduled for April 19–22, 2023, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. This phase focused on empowering vulnerable women through an interest-free revolving loan scheme that provides startup capital alongside business training and grant support.

A key feature of the intervention is the establishment of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), allowing funds to circulate within the community and ensuring more women benefit over time. This model strengthens financial inclusion while building local ownership of economic development efforts.

The Ondo State phase was implemented through collaboration between Bruderhilfe partners in Germany and Nigeria, with sponsorship support from Clean Angel GmbH Berlin. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating sustainable pathways out of poverty for women and their families.

Through Project Karakata, communities are not only witnessing new businesses emerge but also long-term shifts in confidence, financial independence, and opportunity for women who had previously been excluded from economic participation.