LocationsThrough the Prevention Facility Project, those who once faced loss, insecurity and limited options are reclaiming their lives with resilience, determination and renewed purpose.
Empowering Women, Restoring Livelihoods, Strengthening Communities: Through the UNDP’s Prevention Facility Project
January 20, 2026
Umaina Shehu
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Daniel Adeyem
Across Northwest Nigeria, women are transforming hardship into hope. Through the Prevention Facility Project, those who once faced loss, insecurity and limited options are reclaiming their lives with resilience, determination and renewed purpose. With access to practical skills, financial support and trusted guidance, they are restoring dignity to their homes, rebuilding livelihoods, and emerging as pillars of strength within their communities.
Among these inspiring women are Umaina Shehu and Zuwaira Abubakar, whose journeys reflect the quiet courage and untapped potential that thrive when opportunity meets support.
At 35, Umaina Shehu has endured more than most. A petty trader and mother of six, her life changed dramatically after the death of her husband, who had been a farmer and the sole provider for the family. His illness drained their savings and his passing left Umaina suddenly responsible for keeping her household afloat.
“I am a widow with six children. Before losing my husband, he was a farmer and the sole provider for our family. I supported him and cared for our children, until sickness struck him down. I never imagined I would lose the love of my life at this stage. We spent all our savings trying to save him, but despite everything, I still lost him,” Umaina said, her voice heavy with quiet sorrow.
“I am a widow with six children. Before losing my husband, he was a farmer and the sole provider for our family. I supported him and cared for our children, until sickness struck him down. I never imagined I would lose the love of my life at this stage. We spent all our savings trying to save him, but despite everything, I still lost him,” Umaina said, her voice heavy with quiet sorrow.
With no safety net to fall back on, Umaina stepped into survival mode. She took on any work she could find such as washing clothes, cleaning homes and doing small daily chores just to ensure her children had something to eat.
“I had no choice,” she explained. “The work was exhausting, but it helped me feed my children. Even when it wasn’t enough, it kept us going.”
Umaina’s perseverance eventually connected her to the Prevention Facility Project, which supports women and vulnerable households across Northwest Nigeria. Through the initiative, she received structured training in livelihood development and small business management. She learned basic financial literacy, how to identify viable business opportunities and how to plan for growth. Just as importantly, she gained access to mentorship and ongoing guidance.
This hands-on training, combined with access to resources and continuous support, enabled Umaina to move beyond daily survival and begin building a stable and sustainable livelihood for herself and her family.
“After completing the training, I received a grant of three hundred thousand Naira (₦300,000). I consulted some of the facilitators for advice on how to turn this money into a sustainable source of income for my family. Fortunately, they advised me to identify gaps in my community and focus on what was lacking. That’swhen I realized I could go into provision trade, and I seized the opportunity,” she explained.
With the support received, Umaina was able to start a small trading business, gradually improving her income and providing more stability for her children. Beyond economic relief, the intervention restored her confidence and sense of purpose, allowing her to regain hope for the future.
“Now, I can provide for my children without having to worry every day about how we will eat, I’ve learned new skills, my business is growing and I feel like I can finally plan for the future.” Umaina shared with a smile.
Zuwaira Abubakar
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Daniel Adeyemo
Similarly, the story of 25-year-old Zuwaira Abubakar reflects another powerful shift emerging in Gwadabawa LGA, Sokoto State. She is redefining what is possible for young girls in her community; proving that with determination and the right support, they can pursue bold dreams and break long-standing limitations.
“Before I received support from the United Nations Development Programme, I already had big plans for myself. I always told myself I wouldn’t settle for less, and I wouldn’t follow the usual path expected of young girls in my community. I refused to be limited,” Zuwaira shared.
Her ambition was clear, but resources were scarce. Zuwaira had a deep passion for fashion and design and found joy in creating dresses that made people feel confident and beautiful. Whenever she visited Sokoto, she made a point of observing experienced designers, learning from their techniques and studying their craft. Still, without proper tools or formal training, her progress remained constrained.
“I am a young girl who has always been passionate about designs and fashion. That was when I knew this was more than just an interest, it was a calling, I love making people look good, and I find joy in creating beautiful dresses. Whenever I had the chance to visit Sokoto, I would learn from experts and observe their work closely. But resources were my biggest limitation. I couldn’t fully commit to training or acquire the tools I needed to grow.” Zuwaira said.
“I am a young girl who has always been passionate about designs and fashion. That was when I knew this was more than just an interest, it was a calling, I love making people look good, and I find joy in creating beautiful dresses. Whenever I had the chance to visit Sokoto, I would learn from experts and observe their work closely. But resources were my biggest limitation. I couldn’t fully commit to training or acquire the tools I needed to grow.” Zuwaira said.
Undeterred, Zuwaira began sketching designs and creating outfits for friends. Her work stood out for its creativity and attention to detail. Before long, her talent caught the attention of a friend’s mother, who offered her financial support to purchase an old sewing machine. That simple gesture became a turning point.
“I was so happy when I received that first support, cash from someone I least expected. That single gesture boosted my morale and convinced me I was on the right path. I used the money to buy an old sewing machine, which helped me amend clothes and make simple outfits. But deep down, I knew I could create even better designs if I had the right tools.” Zuwaira explains.
When preparation meets opportunity, transformation follows. Through UNDP’s support, Zuwaira gained the push she needed to move from passion to progress. Today, she is not only building her craft but also inspiring other young girls who now see her as proof that bold dreams are valid and achievable.
Together, the stories of Umaina and Zuwaira highlight the lasting impact of investing in women: restoring livelihoods, strengthening families and nurturing communities from the ground up.
