UNICEF and Standard Chartered Foundation Launch Major Employment Initiative for Young Nigerian Women
A significant partnership between the Standard Chartered Foundation and UNICEF's Generation Unlimited program has been unveiled, creating 1,500 decent job opportunities specifically for young women across Nigeria. This groundbreaking initiative, announced on January 29, 2026, represents a strategic move to address both youth unemployment and gender inequality through sustainable employment solutions.
Targeting Underserved Communities with Three-Year Program
The program specifically targets women aged 18 to 24 from underserved communities and will operate over a three-year period. This initiative is not merely about providing temporary employment but focuses on creating lasting economic inclusion for participants who have already completed UNICEF Generation Unlimited's skills training programs.
The collaboration marks a shift from skills training alone to actual job placement and long-term economic empowerment, ensuring that young women successfully transition into stable, decent employment opportunities that match their newly acquired capabilities.
Regional Implementation and Private-Public Collaboration
This employment initiative is also being implemented in Kenya, reflecting a broader regional strategy to combat youth unemployment through innovative private-public partnerships. The program's structure demonstrates how international organizations and financial institutions can collaborate effectively to create meaningful social impact.
UNICEF offices in both Nigeria and Kenya will work closely with local job placement experts to connect qualified participants with employment opportunities across various private sector industries. The program will additionally collaborate with local government initiatives to identify job pathways that align with community and regional labor market needs.
Banking Sector Commitment to Youth Empowerment
During the launch event in Lagos, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Nigeria Limited, Ayodeji Adelagun, emphasized that this collaboration reflects the bank's long-standing commitment to employment-driven youth empowerment. "Combining UNICEF's skills ecosystem with Standard Chartered's focus on work readiness and vocational training creates a sustainable framework that bridges talent development and real job placement," Adelagun explained.
He further noted that creating dignified work opportunities strengthens local economies, demonstrates meaningful private sector participation in national development, and supports inclusive, long-term growth across Nigerian communities.
UNICEF's Perspective on Women's Economic Empowerment
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Wafaa Saeed, described the initiative as a timely intervention for young women who already possess the skills and determination to succeed but lack access to real opportunities. "When young women are connected to decent jobs, the impact goes beyond individual success, improving family wellbeing and strengthening entire communities," Saeed stated.
She emphasized that empowering women economically is essential to Nigeria's social and economic progress, creating ripple effects that benefit society as a whole.
Expected Impact and Sustainable Solutions
Beyond creating immediate job opportunities, this partnership is expected to:
- Improve employment outcomes for young women across Nigeria and Kenya
- Encourage deeper private sector involvement in inclusive economic development
- Provide a practical, employment-focused solution to persistent youth unemployment
- Address gender inequality through tangible economic opportunities
- Turn skills training into sustainable livelihoods for thousands of young women
As youth unemployment and gender inequality remain significant challenges in Nigeria, this initiative stands out as a concrete, employment-focused solution that transforms training investments into tangible economic opportunities. The program's design ensures that job opportunities are not only available but also sustainable and responsive to local economic realities, creating a model that could potentially be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.
