Salamatu Mohammed, a young woman living with a physical disability in Nguru LGA, once felt overlooked and confined by societal perceptions and the lack of inclusive opportunities in her community. Limited mobility and persistent stigma made it difficult for her to participate in everyday activities. But Salamatu held on to one thing—her passion for beauty and make-up artistry.
Her turning point came when she visited the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS), established through the Martawa Zuromaye (Dignity and Security) project. Through the support of the project, Salamatu enrolled in the make-up skills training class. With the encouragement of facilitators and her peers, she attended every session with unwavering enthusiasm, mastering techniques in skincare, make-up application, and client management. Her creativity and attention to detail stood out.
Today, she is not only earning an income by providing makeup services in her neighbourhood but is also giving back. She has started teaching other women and girls, including those living with disabilities, empowering them with the same skills that transformed her life. The Martawa Zuromaye project played a crucial role in unlocking Salamatu’s potential by ensuring inclusive access to livelihood skills training and creating a safe, supportive environment where women and girls can thrive.
Salamatu’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anyone can rise above their limitations and become a source of inspiration for others. Today, she is not just a participant; she is a leader, a changemaker, and a voice. Her plan for the future? She wants to teach other girls in her community her makeup and beauty skills, so they too can earn from it.
