World Bank WEESA Features YEDIS’ Community-Led Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives in Global Monthly Digest
Osogbo, Nigeria | July 30, 2026
The Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS) is pleased to announce that its community-led women’s economic empowerment initiatives have been featured in the July 2026 edition of the World Bank South Asia Gender Innovation Lab (SAR GIL) WEESA Monthly Digest, an international knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment through evidence, innovation, and collaboration.
YEDIS was highlighted in the “From Our Members” section of the publication, where the organization was recognized for its practical, community-based interventions that promote women’s entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and economic inclusion in Nigeria.
The World Bank WEESA Monthly Digest acknowledged YEDIS’ contributions in several key areas, including:
- Supporting women and girls in palm oil production.
- Empowering women engaged in agro-food gari processing.
- Promoting waste management enterprises as pathways to women’s economic empowerment.
- Building the capacity of grassroots women and youth-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
- Delivering entrepreneurship, digital skills, agriculture, and youth employment programmes for underserved communities.
Founded in 2020, YEDIS has continued to implement inclusive development initiatives that strengthen livelihoods, expand economic opportunities, and improve the resilience of women, young people, and vulnerable communities across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships with government institutions, development organizations, academia, and the private sector, the organization remains committed to advancing sustainable development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community participation.
The WEESA (Women’s Economic Empowerment in South Asia) Community of Practice, hosted by the World Bank’s South Asia Gender Innovation Lab (SAR GIL), brings together researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders working to accelerate women’s economic empowerment. According to the July 2026 digest, the community has grown to more than 7,000 members across over 100 countries, creating a global platform for exchanging evidence, experiences, and practical solutions.
Commenting on the recognition, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, DBA (h.c.), Executive Director of YEDIS, said:
“We are honoured that the World Bank WEESA Community of Practice has featured YEDIS’ work. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, partners, volunteers, and the resilient women and communities we serve. It also reinforces our commitment to promoting community-led development, women’s entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria and beyond.”
This highlight also builds on YEDIS’ growing international recognition, including the recent recognition of our initiative by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) as a scalable solution for sustainable development.
YEDIS expresses its sincere appreciation to the WEESA editorial team and the World Bank South Asia Gender Innovation Lab for providing a global platform that showcases innovative approaches to women’s economic empowerment and facilitates knowledge exchange among practitioners worldwide.
As YEDIS continues to expand its programmes, the organization remains committed to sharing evidence, lessons, and best practices that contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, while strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners.
Featured in the World Bank WEESA July 2026 Monthly Digest
Figure 1. YEDIS and Executive Director Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore featured in the “From Our Members” section of the World Bank South Asia Gender Innovation Lab (SAR GIL) – WEESA July 2026 Monthly Digest.
Read the Official World Bank Publication:
To read the complete July 2026 WEESA Monthly Digest published by the World Bank South Asia Gender Innovation Lab (SAR GIL), visit the official publication below.
https://m.newsletterext.worldbank.org/rest/head/mirrorPage/@2SXt72r-hg4yTNKgSmQr5e5QcXO9n-T_KdvJ2jhYP8Xp5AsQzWiDGFnuOp1B2g3c07DT3Ml6-JkEUiEG6sRhQ77HYMcgy0eVhLxN1H63tOIA0q0U.html?deliveryName=DM286240
About YEDIS
The Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS) is a Nigerian non-profit organization with United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. YEDIS works to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, digital inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, youth employment, sustainable agriculture, climate action, and community-led development through evidence-based programmes and strategic partnerships.
For more information, visit: https://yedis.org