At the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation, we believe that real, lasting change begins with the women and children. Society today is collapsing because its success was hinged on the shoulders of men for centuries and as the times evolve, the burden for provision, innovation, and leadership has increased. In the last 50 years, women across the world have risen to take on the mantle of leadership and innovation, and as times keep changing, more women must be empowered to do the same.

As the global community grows, intentional philanthropy must increase. In this article, we will explore why gender is important in philanthropy and how we, as a foundation, fit into the picture of creating a more sustainable future through empowerment. Let’s dive in.

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Why Women and Children Matter And How They Contribute To Global Change

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Nigeria has over 200 million people in 36 states, and women make up a remarkable 49.44% of the population according to the World Bank. Despite its abundant natural resources, the country faces significant challenges: poverty, education gaps, poor healthcare, unemployment, and the need for more sustainable infrastructure. While international organizations and global partnerships are vital in addressing these issues, actual solutions often start with the sidelined populace at the local level who can be mobilised to effect remarkable changes.

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Women are the cogs and pieces that constitute Nigeria as a whole. While it may be harder to create opportunities on a national scale, it is easier to penetrate communities, seek out the issues that can be addressed concerning women's empowerment and predict how the solutions can diffuse to their families and adjacent communities in due time. This guides our design and implementation of programs at the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation. We ensure to listen to and engage grassroot community leaders in the decision-making process. 

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This approach ensures that our efforts are relevant, impactful, and sustainable. Using this approach, we have systematically affected a notable percentage of female entrepreneurs in local businesses around specific areas in Lagos through strategic empowerment in communities like Makoko, Sari-Iganmu, Mushin and Ajegunle, among others.

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The Global Perspective

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The success of any charity initiative depends not only on the size of the donation but also on how those funds are used. Effective philanthropy involves tailoring global generosity to local needs and ensuring that the results of our outreaches translate globally. This would explain why we do not only share food resources or cash but are heavily involved in skill acquisition, business development and incubator programs as well as educational scholarships for women, youth and children. 

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We have seen firsthand how microfinance programs, job training, and small-business support can transform entire villages. With the right tools and opportunities, women can go from being aid recipients to becoming contributors to their local economies. This shifts the narrative from dependency to self-sufficiency and empowerment.

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These are not just programs that address immediate needs—they are the stepping stones to creating lasting, self-sustaining change. By focusing on local businesses by women, we ensure that the benefits of philanthropy stay within the community, circulating and growing as the women reinvest in their own futures.

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The Role of Corporations in Community-Centered Giving

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As a corporate partner, you play a critical role in making women-centred philanthropy a reality. At the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation, we are always seeking ways to collaborate with like-minded companies who share our vision of sustainable, impactful change. Corporations have the resources, reach, and ability to bring about large-scale change, but these efforts must be aligned with the needs of women in local communities.

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This is why we encourage corporate partners to join us in engaging with local communities directly, whether by supporting education programs, healthcare initiatives, or skills training workshops. When companies invest not just in global initiatives, but in localized programs that support the development of local talent and resources, they create a lasting legacy of change.

By centering communities in our efforts, we ensure that our programs are not just temporary fixes but long-term solutions to the challenges Nigeria faces.

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As we continue to work alongside communities, we invite corporations, individuals, and international partners to join us in our commitment to global giving with local impact. Together, we can ensure that the resources and opportunities we bring are not just a temporary lifeline, but a foundation for a brighter, self-sufficient future for every Nigerian.

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Join us today. Let's work together for lasting change.