A new initiative aimed at transforming the lives of women and girls in Northern Nigeria has been officially launched in Abuja, as the Hadiza Yar’Adua Empowerment Foundation (HYE Foundation) begins operations.
The unveiling ceremony, held before government officials, development partners, community leaders, and members of the media, marked the formal introduction of the foundation as a major player in advancing gender equity and socio-economic development in the region.
The foundation was established by Hadiza Abubakar Yar’Adua, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Katsina State and a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Northern Nigeria.
She said the initiative was designed to go beyond charity by addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s progress.
Speaking at the launch, Yar’Adua described the foundation as ‘a strategic investment in the future of Northern women,’ noting that empowering women has a multiplier effect on families and communities.
According to her, the organisation will focus on six key areas: economic empowerment, education and mentorship, gender advocacy and protection, leadership development, health and well-being, and community outreach.
As part of its rollout, the foundation introduced six flagship programmes aimed at delivering impact across rural and urban communities. These include the Northern Girls Fellowship, a year-long mentorship and leadership programme for students; Community Impact Labs to provide literacy and vocational training in underserved areas; and NorthernHER 360, a regional leadership development initiative.
Other programmes are the ShelterHER Project, which will offer housing and legal support to displaced women and children; the HerVoice Campaign, focused on rights awareness and advocacy; and the Woman and Her Skill Project, designed to promote financial independence through entrepreneurship training.
The foundation stated that its programmes align with global development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Yar’Adua also used the occasion to call for partnerships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, stressing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable impact.
She said the foundation is built on principles of transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, adding that every partnership would be geared toward delivering tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls across Northern Nigeria.