UNICEF Nigeria & Partners Empower Young Women and Strengthen Support Systems for Children and Families

Abuja & Lagos, Nigeria — UNICEF Nigeria continues to expand its impact across the country with transformative partnerships focused on job creation for young women, multi‑agency support for vulnerable families, and the institutionalisation of youth empowerment platforms that are moving Nigeria forward.

💼 Standard Chartered Foundation & UNICEF GenU to Secure 1,500 Jobs for Young Women

In late January 2026, the Standard Chartered Foundation and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) announced a new three‑year collaboration to help secure 1,500 decent jobs for young Nigerian women aged 18–24 from underserved communities. This initiative blends UNICEF’s GenU skills‑building ecosystem with targeted employability support to connect young women to real work opportunities, bridging the gap between training and employment.

At the launch event in Lagos, leaders from both organisations emphasised the importance of economic empowerment for young women, noting that jobs not only change individual lives but also strengthen families and contribute to community growth.

🤝 EU & UNICEF Lead High‑Level Mission to Strengthen Support for Women, Children and Families

On 22 January 2026, a European Union delegation, joined by UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO, and development partners, concluded a high‑level mission to Sokoto State affirming continued commitment to social protection systems that uplift children, women, adolescents, and vulnerable households.

The mission highlighted coordinated efforts to support education, healthcare access, social safety nets, and economic inclusion in northern Nigeria — areas vital to improving long‑term outcomes for families and future generations.

🌍 Generation Unlimited Nigeria Institutionalised Under Vice‑President’s Office

UNICEF’s long‑running Generation Unlimited (GenU 9JA) platform — which has impacted over 11 million young Nigerians with digital learning, employment pathways, and community engagement opportunities — has now been officially institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President.

The move was announced during a high‑level meeting in Lagos that brought together government, private sector partners, and youth stakeholders. UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative highlighted that institutionalisation marks a critical milestone in expanding opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, especially young women and marginalized groups, as the country advances toward inclusive economic growth and youth development.

Officials set ambitious plans for 2026, including scaling digital learning platforms and expanding access to entrepreneurship support for millions of additional young Nigerians.

Why This Matters for Nigeria

• Job Opportunities for Women: The new partnership with Standard Chartered Foundation and UNICEF GenU directly targets youth employment, enhancing economic participation and local economic growth.
• Strengthened Social Support Systems: Collaborative missions like the EU‑UNICEF delegation to Sokoto demonstrate multi‑stakeholder commitment to human‑centred development and social protection.
• Youth Empowerment & Institutional Leadership: Institutionalising GenU under the Office of the Vice President cements youth empowerment as a national priority and expands pathways from learning to earning for millions.