**NGO Empowers 100 Women and Youths with Vocational and Entrepreneurial Skills** In a move to translate empowerment into economic independence, Msbon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has trained 100 women and youths in vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The outreach, held at the Abuja Children's Home, Karu, was part of activities to commemorate International Women's Day (IWD). Celebrated annually on March 8, IWD highlights the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calls for inclusive development. The 2026 IWD theme is "Give to Gain". Msbon Foundation's initiative, driven by the theme "Skill to Income", aims to promote transformational giving. **Founder's Vision for Empowerment** Ms Chikodi Nwanisobi, founder of the foundation, said the programme focuses on equipping participants with practical skills that would improve their income, wellness, and overall well-being. "I would say what is significant to me is transformational giving and not just giving and letting go, but giving in a way that transforms lives," she said. The beneficiaries were trained in soap making, Vaseline production, disinfectants, handwash, and air fresheners to enable them generate income. **Practical Skills for Economic Development** Nwanisobi stated that the programme has a dual focus on economic development and personal development. "This is more of economic development and not just personal development. In turn, it becomes skills into income," she said. The beneficiaries, comprising 40 women, 40 youths, and 20 external participants, benefitted from the programme. **Need for Collective Efforts in Empowerment** Nwanisobi stressed the need for empowerment programmes to go beyond training to include mentorship and sustainability. She called for collective efforts in empowering women, noting that government alone could not drive inclusive growth. "I am calling on everyone, no matter how little it is, let's reach out to our communities, empower our women, girls, and even boys. We can be better when we collectively come together," she said. **Government's Commitment to Women's Empowerment** Mrs Evelyn Madu, Assistant Director, Women Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said empowering women was critical to national development. "When you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation, and when you empower a girl, you are building a home," she said. Madu stated that the government is implementing policies to enhance women's participation in governance and socio-economic activities, including programmes such as second chance education and distribution of gas cylinders to reduce dependence on firewood.