Money Mata: A Financial Literacy Initiative that Transformed Lives

On the 29th of May, Enatta Foundation marked a significant milestone with the successful rollout of its Money Mata programme, a flagship financial initiative that directly impacted 250 fisherwomen in Lagos State. Held along the bustling coastal axis of Ogudu, the event was both celebratory and transformative, uniting women who have long been the economic backbone of their communities, yet historically underserved in terms of financial inclusion and support. With boats docked and baskets set aside, the women came together not just as individuals, but as a collective determined to rewrite their financial stories. The atmosphere was filled with promise as the programme officially opened, drawing the attention of development stakeholders and observers from surrounding areas who recognized the significance of what was unfolding.

At the core of the Money Mata programme was a practical and empowering financial literacy workshop tailored specifically to the realities of women in fish processing and small-scale trading. Facilitators from Enatta Foundation, Lagos State Government and banks educated the women on the relevance of financial awareness, savings, record-keeping and community via cooperatives. Record-keeping materials were also distributed to the women as part of the empowerment scheme. For many of the women, this was their first formal exposure to financial training, and it quickly became evident that they were eager not only to absorb the information but to put it to use immediately in their daily lives. By the end of the programme, women expressed a stronger sense of financial control, with many developing new strategies for managing daily income and preparing for long-term needs such as school fees, health care and business expansion.

Participants with record-keeping materials

The Power of Cooperative Strength

True to its mission of sustainable empowerment, the Enatta Foundation also used the Money Mata platform to reinforce the importance of cooperative structures. Participants were encouraged to formalize their groups into savings and loan cooperatives which would give them greater access to credit facilities, group negotiation power and a collective voice in market interactions. The Enatta Foundation’s Cooperative Society provided guidance and mentorship in forming these units, laying a foundation for long-term community resilience. Through role-play exercises and testimonials from existing cooperatives, the women began to see the potential of working together not only to save and borrow responsibly but to support one another’s business ambitions. In an economy where women often lack formal access to credit and infrastructure, the cooperative model emerged as a beacon of possibility.

The event itself was a vibrant reflection of the communities it served. It featured traditional music, testimonials, and interactive sessions. Beyond training, it offered the women a safe space where they could speak candidly about their struggles, aspirations and hopes for their futures. Participants danced, laughed and listened intently, forming bonds that would extend beyond the day’s sessions. The presence of stakeholders, Lagos State Government officials and bank representatives reinforced the legitimacy and significance of the programme. It was not just a seminar but a celebration, one that acknowledged the fisherwomen not only as labourers and traders but as stewards of community wealth and knowledge. Youth volunteers and male allies were also included in portions of the event, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility in empowering women.

Sustaining Impact Beyond the Event

Feedback from the beneficiaries has been overwhelmingly positive. Several women have already begun implementing the lessons from the programme into their businesses, with early signs of improved savings discipline and smarter inventory practices. Others have taken steps to join registered cooperative associations and keep daily financial records. These are simple but powerful habits that will influence the trajectory of their households. Enatta Foundation plans to conduct follow-up sessions and integrate digital financial tools tailored for low-literacy users, expanding the reach and effectiveness of Money Mata over time. There are also discussions underway to partner with microfinance institutions, banks and interested individuals to further scale the programme’s impact.

The Money Mata programme has proven to be more than just a financial literacy project. It is a movement toward dignity, empowerment and inclusive development. Enatta Foundation continues to affirm its commitment to riverine women, proving that with the right knowledge, tools and community support, transformation is not just possible, it is inevitable.