As we reflect on this year’s International Youth Day, themed “Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people, especially women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. CWSI is actively engaged in transforming these groups into key drivers of societal growth through economic empowerment and human rights advocacy.
At CWSI, we understand that sustainable development requires a multifaceted approach. Our programs are designed to equip youth, including persons with disabilities, with the knowledge and resources they need to overcome barriers and harmful cultural practices. By raising awareness about their rights and privileges, we empower them to stand up against injustice and claim their rightful place in society.
Economic empowerment is central to our mission. CWSI’s programming includes the provision of vocational skills training for project beneficiaries, coupled with financial literacy training, to help young people, especially women and Girls, achieve financial independence. This approach not only enhances their personal well-being but also contributes to the overall economic development of their communities. By empowering youth economically, we enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, which is a critical component of long-term development.
CWSI’s commitment to human rights is unwavering. We work tirelessly to dismantle practices that undermine the dignity and rights of women and girls. Through our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts, we have published community by-laws in hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria that have helped to dismantle and reduce harmful traditional/cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), harmful widowhood practices, among others.
Our developmental work reflects our dedication to the empowerment and development of youth. At CWSI, we believe that by empowering young people economically and enlightening them on their rights, we are laying the groundwork for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Through our efforts, we strive to create a society where youth are not only beneficiaries but also active participants in driving growth and development, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life
