Belgian philanthropist and human rights advocate Shalimar Abbiusi has donated $9,800 to support 150 women in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Each of the beneficiaries received $66 to boost their small businesses, marking a significant effort to uplift women in rural communities.

The donation, made through her NGO, the I Am Human Foundation (IAH FDN), was part of Abbiusi’s birthday celebration, which she chose to mark by giving back.

“Empowerment is not a gift; it is a right,” Abbiusi told the crowd of women gathered in Auchi.

“As women, we are the backbone of society. We wake up first, run our homes, and still find time to do business. It’s time we empower ourselves.”

Shalimar, who is also the spokesperson for the AU International Organisation for the Transformation of Leadership (AU IOTL), emphasised that her mission in Nigeria is to support women, especially those in rural areas, by providing them with the resources they need to grow their businesses and live with dignity.

The event was held in collaboration with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who praised the foundation’s efforts and pledged continued support.

“Shalimar and I believe that the greatest economists in Nigeria are women,” Oshiomhole said.

“We will take this empowerment to other local governments across Edo State.”

He also promised to extend similar empowerment initiatives across all six local governments in his senatorial district, ensuring more women at the grassroots level benefit from such programs.

Many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the financial support would greatly improve their businesses and daily lives.

Abbiusi’s message was not only about financial aid but also about encouraging women to develop better business habits—saving regularly, reinvesting profits, and passing on skills to the next generation.

“When women rise, the whole community rises,” she said. “Let us not wait for anyone to empower us – let us empower ourselves.”

The empowerment event is one of several humanitarian projects carried out by the I Am Human Foundation, which focuses on the rights of women and girls across Africa.