My vision for the future: financial freedom for women in Nigeria

Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed the devastating impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on women in my community. My own mother experienced GBV and, like many women, was financially dependent on her spouse which left her vulnerable. Her experience shaped my life’s mission: to empower women with the tools to achieve financial independence.

Thanks to the Chevening Scholarship, I am now better equipped than ever to turn that mission into lasting impact.

Building long-lasting change

I founded Flourish Her Africa to empower women with digital skills to improve their economic prospects and provide a way out of situations where they are at risk of abuse or marginalisation. We teach graphic design, video editing, digital marketing and communications skills to open doors to different kinds of work. By enabling women to become economically independent, we aim to reduce their exposure to GBV while promoting their contributions to their families and the economy.

So far, we have launched our website, registered as a social enterprise, and trained women in these skills. But my vision is far bigger.

After completing my studies in Global Social Development in the UK, I plan to return home and establish a physical training centre; a hub where women, particularly those from marginalised communities, can access practical, hands-on digital training in a safe, empowering environment. The centre will also provide mentoring, peer support, and a sense of community for women striving to create better futures.

As a social enterprise, we reinvest any revenue from our training programmes to provide scholarships for rural women and girls who cannot afford to pay. This model ensures that as we grow, our impact reaches deeper into the communities that need it most.

Chevening’s impact

The Chevening experience has been transformative. It has given me the time, space, and support to focus on my academic growth and expanding my vision for the future. Through Chevening, I’ve connected with global changemakers and thought leaders, exchanging ideas on social development and innovation. These interactions have broadened my thinking and introduced me to new strategies that I’m excited to adapt for the Nigerian context.

My university course has deepened my understanding of the structural drivers behind gender inequality and GBV. I now have a stronger foundation for designing programmes that address not only the symptoms but the root causes of disempowerment.

What’s next for Uwakmfon?

Looking ahead, I am actively seeking partnerships with the UK Government, local NGOs, and international development stakeholders who share our commitment to women’s economic empowerment.

Together, we can scale this model across Nigeria, equipping women with the digital tools to transform their lives and in turn, uplift their communities.