Strengthening Our Communities Through Strategic Partnerships
Updated: Jul 16
One of the things that continues to encourage us at Virtuous Women Credit and Loan Cooperative Society is knowing that there are organisations and institutions working tirelessly to protect, empower, and create opportunities for women across Plateau State and Nigeria.
It is illuminating and encouraging to know that society actually cares about women who are being abused. Systems have been formed and put in place to serve as a voice for the voiceless, provide affordable access to justice for the marginalised, and create opportunities that empower micro-businesses and strengthen communities.
Unfortunately, many people are still not aware that these interventions exist. As an organisation that is passionate about community development and women’s empowerment, we believe that creating awareness is just as important as providing support. Through our partnerships and engagements, we have not only become aware of these opportunities ourselves, but we have also become advocates, sharing this knowledge with the women in our network so they too can benefit.
We have had the privilege of participating in several important programmes and initiatives that align with our mission of empowering women spiritually, socially, and economically.
1. Plateau State Multi Door Court
We were nominated to attend activities organised by PLASMIDA and GIZ in the Plateau State Multidoor Courthouse Hall, where we gained a deeper understanding of the alternative dispute resolution systems available to the public.
Following this engagement, we have continued to create awareness within our network of women about how they can access affordable justice whenever they are faced with disputes or situations that require legal intervention. We believe that every woman deserves to know that help is available and that justice should never be out of reach because of financial limitations.
2. Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA)
Our partnership with the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) has also been a significant milestone.
As part of the Supporting Her Innovation, Networks and Enterprise Programme (SHINE), PLASMIDA selected 10 mentors who would provide guidance and support to younger businesswomen as mentees. We are proud to share that 3 of the 10 selected mentors are members of Virtuous Women, a testament to the quality of leadership and experience within our cooperative.
The programme was officially flagged off on 24th March, 2026, creating an opportunity for experienced entrepreneurs to invest their knowledge in the next generation of women in business.
Flag Off of PLASMIDA SHINE with the DG of PLASMIDA HON. Bomkam Ali Wuyep
Pictures of Mentors and Mentees
We are excited about what this mentorship programme represents. When experienced women intentionally guide younger entrepreneurs, businesses become stronger, confidence grows, and communities benefit.
3. Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission
We also had the opportunity to participate in a training organised by the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission for counsellors working in the area of gender advocacy and support.
Our Board Chairman, Barrister Dr. Kyenpia Mafuyai (State Coordinator Human Rights Commission, Plateau State), facilitated a session on effective and efficient tools for mediation to solve the problems of Gender-Based Violence prevention and response along side other key spokespersons including Barr. Olivia Daziem (Chairperson Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission).
Pictures of The chairman of the board and the founder of Virtuous Women
The training reinforced the importance of equipping those who serve vulnerable members of society with practical skills for mediation, conflict resolution, and survivor support. It also strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for safer communities where women and girls can live free from violence and have access to the support they deserve.
4. Mechanised Farming and Agricultural Value Chain
We were also represented at a training of trainers on Mechanised Farming and Agricultural Value Chain, organised by Partners Worldwide in partnership with GIZ. The training focused on modern farming techniques, mechanisation, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to improve productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities.
We are proud to share that two Virtuous Women members participated in the training. Their involvement reflects our commitment to continuous learning and ensures that the knowledge gained can be shared with other members, extending the impact beyond those who attended.
Pictures of the trainers and trainees of the session
Women make up 49% of the agricultural and agrifood workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet their participation in mechanised farming remains remarkably low—estimated at just 3–5% in some regions because of persistent gender inequalities. By equipping women with practical knowledge and skills in this space, initiatives like this help close that gap, opening doors to greater productivity, stronger businesses, and more opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture.
5. Digital Cooperative On-boarding with Partners Worldwide
As part of our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Virtuous Women also participated in a digital cooperative on-boarding facilitated by Partners Worldwide.
The training introduced our cooperative to digital systems and tools designed to improve operations, strengthen member engagement, and enhance service delivery. As we embrace digital transformation, we are taking important steps towards building a more efficient, accessible, and future-ready cooperative that better serves the needs of our members.
Digital Onboarding training
At Virtuous Women, we understand that empowering women goes beyond providing loans and financial services. It also means connecting our members to opportunities, creating awareness about available support systems, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that every woman knows where she can find help when she needs it.
We remain grateful for these collaborations and look forward to building even more partnerships that will continue to create lasting impact in the lives of women, families, and communities. Together, we are not only empowering women economically—we are helping build a society where justice is accessible, mentorship is intentional, and every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Source: ScienceDirect.com https://share.google/IMCv8eRABJJNITZHO
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Source: World Bank Group https://share.google/I6HifPfsLLm5w9gE8
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