By Job Eronmhonsele – Executive Director, Centre for Population and Environmental Development (CPED)
& Sylvia Baji – Lead Researcher, Women Empowerment Initiative (WEIN), Bauchi State
In Maryam Community, Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State, a powerful story is unfolding—one of economic freedom, gender justice, and lasting change. Through the SPARC project on women empowerment initiative implemented by the Centre for Population and Environmental Development (CPED) in collaboration with Women Empowerment Initiative (WEIN), Bauchi state, women and men are coming together to rewrite the future of their community.
Planting the Seeds: How It All Began
When the SPARC project was launched in Bauchi State, its goal was to promote gender equality, economic growth and empower women in pastoral communities. In Maryam Community, the approach was hands-on—starting with the formation of a registered cooperative group and the introduction of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).
📌 Call-Out:
VSLAs are informal financial groups where members save money weekly, take small loans, and receive a lump sum at the end of the year. It’s a simple tool—but a powerful engine of change.
Voices of Transformation
“Before, I couldn’t save even 500 naira without spending it. Now, I’ve saved enough to start poultry farming—and my children are back in school.” — Fatima Abubakar, VSLA Member
“We meet every week, we talk, we plan, and we save. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m in control of my money and my future.” — Zainab Musa, Cooperative Member
Changing Gender Norms, One Household at a Time
A key pillar of the SPARC project in Bauchi state is gender equality. CPED and WEIN facilitated several community-based trainings in Maryam community, focused on breaking down stereotypes and building understanding between men and women.
What Changed?
- Men began to share household chores and childcare responsibilities.
- Women started taking leadership roles and participating in community decision-making.
- Domestic violence reduced, and community members are now more likely to speak out against it.
📌 Call-Out:
Gender training has led to real behavior change, with visible results in homes and community meetings alike.
“I used to think women couldn’t be leaders. But now, my wife leads our cooperative—and I support her with pride.” — Malam Sani Usman, Community Member
“We talk more now. He helps with cooking. It’s like we’re a team.” — Amina Yusuf, VSLA Treasurer
From Community to Policy: Taking Local Voices to the Top
The insights and successes from Maryam Community didn’t end at the village level. CPED SPARC project team shared project learnings with policy makers, ensuring the experiences of rural women influence government planning and budgeting.
As a result:
There is greater awareness among officials about the intersection of gender, poverty, and rural challenges.
📌 Call-Out:
What happens in Maryam doesn’t stay in Maryam—it shapes policies that impact thousands more.
What the Future Holds
The story of Maryam Community is far from over. With cooperatives and VSLAs running independently, and gender norms shifting dramatically, this once-underserved community is on a new trajectory.
“We’ve seen lives change, mindsets evolve, and women rise. We are proud—but we are not done yet.” — Mrs. Sylvia Baji, WEIN Representative
Final Thoughts
What makes the Maryam community story remarkable isn’t just the success—it’s the sustainability. The women now save, invest, lead, and advocate. The men support, engage, and partner. And the community as a whole? It’s moving forward—together.
🔗 Learn more about CPED SPARC’s work and how we’re empowering rural communities across Bauchi and Gombe States by visiting www.cped.org.ng
📧 Interested in supporting this work? Contact us @ enquiries@cped.org.ng or
Call: +234-8080-472-801
