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- Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Nigeria’s representative at the UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), is making significant strides in promoting women’s economic rights. As the convener and founder of Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI), she focuses on addressing gender injustices, inequalities, and exclusion, especially in the realms of finance, technology, and peace and security.
Eghobamien-Mshelia champions the cause of women in digital technology, renewable energy, and trade, with a specific focus on their access to markets. Her groundbreaking initiative, the “KOWGO” Mobile Application, is a revolutionary tool designed to enhance financial inclusion for micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs. However, the journey has not been without challenges.
Facing hurdles in digital literacy and the availability of proper tools for online training, Eghobamien-Mshelia remains undeterred. Despite the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), which has introduced new ways of doing things, she is actively addressing the impact on her KOWGO App. Acknowledging the need to adapt, the organization is in the process of integrating AI capabilities to enhance the application’s functionality.
Eghobamien-Mshelia’s commitment extends beyond addressing challenges; she has initiated a partnership with the Japanese Embassy to establish an incubation center in Nigeria. This center serves as a hub for training and market activities, showcasing a proactive approach to empowering women through technology and innovation. As the organization navigates the evolving landscape shaped by AI, its dedication to advancing women’s economic rights remains unwavering.
