Edo State Women’s Association (ESWA) was established in the UK in 1991 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting market women in Edo State, Nigeria. From its inception, ESWA has sought to empower women economically and socially, recognizing their pivotal role in sustaining local economies and communities.
Early Initiatives and Funding
In its early years, ESWA relied on funding from donations, grants, and fundraising events. Support was also extended through shipments of essential goods and resources from the United Kingdom to benefit individual market women in Edo State.
In 2000, ESWA secured a grant from the UK National Lottery to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of market women in Edo State. The findings highlighted critical needs, including access to affordable childcare for children six months to six years and financial capital to grow their businesses. This report served as a foundation for subsequent initiatives and fundraising efforts.
Key Milestones and Achievements
- 2004: ESWA received a 12-month grant from the French Embassy Nigeria Small Grants Program to construct a daycare facility for market women children. The daycare service became a vital resource, and ESWA sustained and improved the facility for an additional five years through its own self-help efforts.
- 2005: ESWA received funds to start a lending program from one of the founder members “Eki Ogbeide” children. “This money was accumulated Christmas family gift her children put aside for several years”.
- 2008: ESWA’s work earned international recognition when Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, honored the organization with a formal dinner invitation to Buckingham Palace.
Economic Empowerment and Partnerships
Building on its growing engagement with market women, ESWA expanded its support services to include financial and business development programs. In collaboration with the London Rebuilding Society UK, ESWA launched an Economic Empowerment Program designed to address the financial challenges of market women. The program offers:
- Financial education workshops
- Business mentoring
- Savings and lending schemes
This initiative directly, benefited over 5,000 women and SMEs, with 495 business loans disbursed. Many beneficiaries continue to save and grow their businesses through this program.
Legacy and Impact
ESWA remains a trusted partner for market women in Edo State and the diaspora, providing tools and resources to improve livelihoods and foster economic independence. The organization’s commitment to supporting women / SMEs has impacted the community (home and abroad), empowering generations to thrive in businesses and beyond.
ESWA is registered:
Under the UK Charity Commission.
CAC in Nigeria and (Ministries in Edo State).
Edo State Women's Association 