Empowering change: One girl’s journey to brighter days and a secure future
Studies indicate that the unexpected death of a loved one, especially when it occurs suddenly, can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others.
This was the case for Oluwayemisi Oni, who was left vulnerable and traumatized after the sudden death of her mother. Her mother had been her anchor, and without her guidance and protection, Oluwayemisi struggled with low self-esteem and a sense of purposelessness. In addition to the emotional toll, Oluwayemisi faced financial instability, as she had no stable source of income, further deepening her sense of loss and vulnerability.
With limited access to growth opportunities and an unproductive social environment, Oluwayemisi had no hope of forging a path to a secure future. Despite this limitation, she was resilient and determined to make a living. Her efforts yielded few positive results, and without a stable income or meaningful activities, her daily life became focused on survival rather than personal growth or self-improvement.
The desire to succeed despite the odds soon turned into desperation, and Oluwayemisi found herself caught in a cycle of poor decisions and their consequences, nearly jeopardizing her future. With no solution in sight, she lost hope for a better life and what remained of her self-esteem.
Mercy Corps' Girls Improving Resilience through Livelihoods and Health (Girl-H) program became a lifeline, breaking the cycle of unproductiveness. Oluwayemisi first heard about the program from her neighbor and was initially hesitant to enroll. However, after persistent encouragement, she decided to attend her first session. What started as a trial quickly turned into a life-changing opportunity, unlocking doors to a brighter future.
Oluwayemisi was trained for a period of three months and then was provided with practical resources, such as a sewing machine to start up a tailoring business.
Upon enrolling in the GIRL-H program, Oluwayemisi participated in life skills sessions held in safe spaces, which became a sanctuary for her. During these sessions, she learned essential skills such as self-esteem building, goal setting, and financial literacy. She also gained valuable knowledge on how to differentiate between needs and wants. These lessons provided her with the foundation to believe in herself and envision a brighter future.
As she advanced in the program, Oluwayemisi was enrolled in vocational training and given several skill options. She chose to specialize in Ankara Craft and Tie-and-Dye, immersing herself in the creative process and dedicating herself to mastering these skills.
Upon completion of the training, she received a sewing machine as a start-up kit for her business. Oluwayemisi’s transformation went beyond just acquiring skills. Armed with her sewing machine, she began crafting and selling her creations, gradually building a steady income that not only supported her but also helped her sustain her family. The financial stability she achieved became a powerful testament to her resilience, hard work, and the transformative opportunities provided by the GIRL-H program, enabling her to reclaim her independence and rebuild her future.
Oluwayemisi’s talents were recognized when she participated in a local craft exhibition organized by GIRL-H, boosting her confidence and inspiring others in her community to pursue their dreams. Motivated by her success, she expanded her craft business and now actively mentors others, becoming a role model for young women.
The GIRL-H program profoundly impacted Oluwayemisi’s life, transforming her from a passive bystander into an empowered entrepreneur. With newfound skills and confidence, she overcame challenges and now contributes meaningfully to her community. Her journey exemplifies how programs like GIRL-H can create lasting change, one life at a time.
Today, Oluwayemisi is focused on growing her Ankara Craft and Tie-and-Dye business, with the goal of establishing a recognized brand and creating a training center to empower other young women. She plans to diversify her products, expand her market, and use her platform to inspire women to embrace entrepreneurship. Her long-term vision is to create job opportunities and promote financial literacy, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality, and decent work and economic growth.