Project ‘Reclaim Our Future’ is a powerful statement that inspires us the Ikotun Community women to take back what is left of our lives, look into the future with positivism and explore new ways of living. Therefore, the overall goal of this project is to empower Ikotun women with knowledge, courage and tools to take charge of their lives and live life to the fullest.

The Change that the Project wants to accomplish:

This project is a response to the gap identified by CAPRIGHTS during the project they implemented with our youths in 2018. It was eye-opening for many of us to hear things like ‘women taking charge of their body, claiming and preserving their body’. We have been aware of family planning but have been skeptical about it. It was our daughters that started the enlightenment after their project under Voice. As we gather at the markets, churches etc., we continue to discuss this and the need to get more details.

Our community has a lot of vulnerable young women who has little or no education because they are mostly into petty trading and farming. Most of our men do not have means of livelihood and so contribute little/nothing for family upkeep. Unfortunately, many of them are violent and likes to control. They believe that control is a way to make us submissive; many of our women bear too many children that they cannot take care of. We now understand that this will most likely keep us poor for more years to come because when we are not able to take good care of these children, chances are that they will become a problem to us and to our community at large.

The change that we see happening at this project will be at both individual and community level. We believe that this project will inspire us to learn more about our bodies and how we can make better decisions on our reproductive rights. Couples seminars proposed under the project is critical because it will be an opportunity to bring our men on board, to understand family planning and why it is important for us as a family, and also help them understand the things they do to us that constitute domestic violence. Another level of change that we foresee is financial independence. We make little monies from our petty trading and farm crops that we sell.

Most times, we do not save because we depend on these little incomes to keep the family going. But we hope that the village savings scheme that this project will bring into our community will help strengthen our savings practices and promote an alternative credit facility framework for us as we see this benefit other communities that have started the village saving scheme. Finally, the safe space will be the best aspect of the project for our women because many of us die in silence. We hope that this project will encourage them to come out and share their experiences with other women so that they can get the support they need.

Generally, we believe that as this project is changing our individual lives, our children and spouses can also feel the impact, thereby creating a wholesome change for the entire community.

Introduction

In the vibrant heart of Ikotun/Igando, a remarkable transformation is unfolding thanks to the Reclaim Your Future project, spearheaded by the Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights and Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP). This initiative emerged from the deep insights gathered during the Voices of project, which exposed the profound needs of children in local primary and secondary schools. Through the eyes of these children, it became clear that their futures were profoundly influenced by their mothers’ struggles with

domestic violence, hygiene, and reproductive health. These weren’t just data points; they were the pulse of our community, calling out for change, for a chance to rewrite their stories.

Project Implementation

The Reclaim Your Future project was more than a series of activities—it was a lifeline, a beacon of hope. Our approach was multi-faceted, designed to uplift and empower:

• Safe Space Monthly Meetings: Each meeting was a sanctuary, a place where women could share their deepest concerns and find solace in each other’s experiences. These gatherings became a cornerstone of support, allowing women to find their voices and connect with others who understood their struggles.
• Validation and Sensitization Workshops: The development of the family planning manual was a labor of love and dedication. After a rigorous validation workshop with the Ikotun Health Centre’s department of family planning, the community launch was a celebration of hope. It attracted passionate stakeholders from across Lagos, including the Federation of International Female Lawyers (FIDA), medical doctors, traditional gatekeepers, friends, well-wishers, and the Family Support Unit of the Nigerian Police in Ikotun. Together, they pledged to spread the word and support the adoption of this crucial manual.
• VSLA Formation and Training: The VSLA initiative was a testament to resilience. Despite initial setbacks in securing a financial institution, the women’s unwavering trust inspired us to find alternative solutions. Their courage in the face of uncertainty led us to partner with a micro finance institution, creating a financial foundation that allowed them to save and build their businesses with renewed confidence.
• Community Engagement: Local gatekeepers became the guardians of this project, ensuring its reach and impact. Their commitment to facilitating access and spreading the message was instrumental in our success.

Impact and Transformation

The impact of the Reclaim Your Future project has been nothing short of transformative:

• Family Planning Awareness:The family planning manual has become a symbol of empowerment. For Mrs. Chidinma, who had just welcomed her first baby before joining our program, the manual was instrumental. “The manual gave me the ability to have control over my body and plan my family responsibly,” she said. “It ensured that my child grows up in a home filled with love and stability.”
• Economic Stability: The VSLA program has sparked economic revival. Mrs. Louisa, who had previously struggled, now beams with pride. “I saved diligently, invested wisely, and restarted my sewing business again, even though in a smaller way,” she shared, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and relief. Her story is one of many, a testament to the power of financial independence.
• Empowerment and Skills Development through the VSLA Sustainability Initiative: The VSLA sustainability initiative has fostered significant personal growth and skill acquisition. Volunteers like Mrs. Blessing and Mrs. Judith have played pivotal roles in this process. Blessing conducted a soap-making training, and many women are now generating income from their new skills. Judith’s catering workshop on snack-making has similarly empowered participants to start small catering businesses. Their dedication and creativity have not only enhanced the financial stability of these women but also inspired them to become active contributors to their community.
• Personal Stories of Change: Mrs. Kehinde Richard’s story is a poignant reminder of the project’s impact. A young widow with three children, Kehinde faced overwhelming challenges. “Before the project, I struggled to provide for my children. Now, thanks to the savings and the support from the meetings, I can manage my finances better and ensure a better future for my kids,” she said, her voice filled with emotion and hope.

Lessons Learned

Through the journey, several key lessons emerged:

• VSLA Challenges: The initial challenge of securing financial institution involvement could have derailed the project. Yet, the women’s courageous response and our subsequent partnership with a micro finance institution turned a potential setback into an opportunity. This experience highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability.
• Family Planning Manual: Overcoming resistance to new family planning methods required a sensitive, culturally aware approach. The manual’s success, supported by extensive community sensitization, demonstrated the power of perseverance and collaboration.
• Community-Driven Approach: Engaging the community in every stage of the project proved essential. By understanding and addressing local needs, we achieved sustainable and impactful outcomes.

As Inspiration

The Reclaim Your Future project is more than a success story; it’s a call to action. It’s a testament to what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Every step of this journey has been driven by a collective effort to uplift and empower individuals and communities.

Your support can make a world of difference. Contribute financially to expand our initiatives, volunteer your time and skills to make an immediate impact, or share our story to inspire others. By joining hands with us, you can help build a future where every woman has the opportunity to reclaim her life, every child has the chance to thrive, and every community is equipped to overcome its challenges. Together, we can turn our shared vision into a reality and foster lasting change.

Conclusion

The continued dedication of our partners—WAPA, FIDA, the police, and the health center—ensures that the Reclaim Your Future project remains a beacon of hope and transformation. This project is not just a series of accomplishments; it’s a movement powered by passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to change. Our partners’ ongoing support has been instrumental in driving the project’s success and sustaining its impact.

As we reflect on the progress made and the lives transformed, we are reminded of the power of community and collaboration. Together, we have created a ripple effect of positive change, and we invite you to be part of this continuing journey. With your support, we can build a brighter future for all, where empowerment is a reality, and every individual has the opportunity to shine.