PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED

In 2009, YOWEC participated in a national call for proposals by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), where six non-profit organizations were selected, including YOWEC. Unfortunately, we did not secure the grant as we were unable to pass the capacity assessment. This experience provided valuable insights and lessons, which have been instrumental in refining our strategies and strengthening our organizational capacity for future initiatives.

Key Strategies Adopted to improve the effectiveness of our project proposals:

Strengthened Organizational Capacity:

Staff Training and Development: We have invested in capacity-building programs for our team members, focusing on project management, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and report writing. This ensures that our staff possesses the necessary skills to implement projects effectively and meet donor requirements.

Improved Governance Structures: We have established a more robust governance framework, including clear roles and responsibilities, to enhance transparency, accountability, and decision-making within the organization.

Enhanced Proposal Development Process:

Comprehensive Needs Assessment: We now conduct thorough needs assessments in target communities to ensure that our project proposals are well-aligned with the actual needs and priorities of the beneficiaries.

Collaboration with Experts: We involve external consultants and experts in the proposal development process to provide technical input, ensuring that our proposals meet international standards and donor expectations.

Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework:

Clear M&E Plan: We have developed a more detailed M&E framework that outlines specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators. This framework helps in tracking progress, assessing impact, and making data-driven adjustments during project implementation.

Data Collection and Analysis Tools: We have adopted advanced data collection and analysis tools to gather accurate and reliable data, ensuring that we can demonstrate the impact of our projects effectively.

Strategic Partnerships and Networking:

Partnership with Government and Community Stakeholders: We have strengthened our relationships with key government agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure better collaboration and support during project implementation.

Engagement with Donors: We maintain ongoing communication with donors to understand their priorities and expectations better, enabling us to tailor our proposals accordingly.

Resource Mobilization and Sustainability Planning:

Diversified Funding Sources: We are actively pursuing multiple funding sources, including local and international donors, to reduce dependency on a single donor and enhance financial sustainability.

Sustainability Planning: We have integrated sustainability planning into our projects, ensuring that the impact of our interventions can be sustained beyond the project duration.

By adopting these strategies, YOWEC is now better positioned to secure funding, implement projects effectively, and achieve our mission of empowering youth and women in Nigeria.

Inspiring Leadership: My Experience at the African Leadership Magazine Leadership and Management Conference in Ghana

One of the most significant milestones in my professional journey was attending the African Leadership and Management (ALM) Conference in Ghana in August 2009. During this visit, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Joyce R. Aryee

, a distinguished leader whose dedication to women's development and service left a lasting impression on me.

Dr. Aryee's career is nothing short of remarkable. A former Minister of State in Ghana, she currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, where she has made history as the first woman to lead an African Chamber of Mines. Her extensive experience, spanning over 38 years, covers various sectors, including environmental management and public relations.

Dr. Aryee's contributions to Ghana have been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Order of the Volta (Companion) awarded by the President of Ghana in 2006 and the CIMG Marketing Woman of the Year award in 2007. In 2009, she was further honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of Mines & Technology (UMaT).

Meeting Dr. Aryee at the conference was a turning point for me. Her story and achievements inspired me deeply, leading to her being featured in the inaugural edition of Women Development International magazine. Her legacy continues to inspire our work at YOWEC, particularly in empowering women and fostering leadership in our communities.

Additionally, my networking with the African Leadership Magazine Leadership Magazine group during the conference played a crucial role in expanding my professional connections and furthering our mission to promote leadership and development across Africa.