In a powerful demonstration of grassroots engagement and community-driven empowerment, Elizabeth Pedro, Founder of the Women Helping Women Foundation, took her mission of women’s empowerment directly to the heart of local commerce on March 7, 2026, by visiting several major markets across Edo State.

The outreach tour covered prominent trading hubs including Uwelu Market, Okah Market, and Ogida Market in Benin City. These markets are vibrant centers of small-scale enterprise where thousands of women earn their livelihoods daily through trade, food production, tailoring, craft, and other entrepreneurial activities. By choosing to meet women in their own work environments, Professor Pedro reinforced a core principle of the Women Helping Women Foundation: true empowerment must reach the grassroots.

Advancing The Mission of Women Helping Women

The outreach program forms part of the broader vision of the Women Helping Women Foundation, which focuses on equipping women with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Through vocational training programs, mentorship initiatives, and community engagement activities, the foundation has consistently worked to create pathways for women to achieve financial independence and long-term stability.

Professor Pedro’s visit to Uwelu, Okah, and Ogida markets reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that empowerment initiatives reach women at every level of society, not just those who already have access to resources, but also those who need them most.

The market outreach also served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the foundation’s training programs and to encourage women traders to participate in upcoming skill development initiatives.

Empowering women has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual. When women gain skills, financial independence, and confidence, entire communities benefit.

Families experience improved living conditions, children gain better access to education, and communities develop stronger economic foundations.

Professor Pedro’s grassroots engagement underscores the importance of recognizing women entrepreneurs as key drivers of development. By meeting them in their markets and hearing their voices firsthand, the foundation ensures that its programs are designed around real needs and practical solutions.

A Vision for a Stronger Training Center in Egor

One of the key goals highlighted during the outreach was the establishment of a stronger vocational training centre in Egor Local Government Area. The proposed centre aims to provide women with access to structured training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills that can enhance their businesses and create new economic opportunities.

The envisioned training hub will serve as a place where women can learn practical skills, receive mentorship, and access support systems that will enable them to scale their enterprises and improve their livelihoods.

By investing in such a centre, the Women Helping Women Foundation seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem where women are not only trained but also supported in building thriving businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Spreading Hope, One Market at a Time

The March 7 outreach is part of a continuing journey toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs in Edo State.

Through initiatives like this, Apostle Prof, Elizabeth Pedro via Women Helping Women Foundation remains committed to its vision of creating opportunities for women to grow, thrive, and lead within their communities.

The message behind the outreach is simple yet powerful: empowerment happens step by step, one market, one woman, one opportunity at a time.

As the foundation continues its work across Edo State, the goal remains clear: to build stronger communities, expand economic opportunities, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for women across the region.