by FIDAStrengthening Community Action Against GBV: FIDA Nigeria Convenes 2nd Shared Learning Forum in Ekiti State
In its continuous effort to curb Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advance gender justice, FIDA Nigeria convened the 2nd Shared Learning Forum in Ekiti State a strategic engagement under its Ford Foundation-supported GBV prevention programme.
The forum served as more than a meeting of minds; it was a powerful space for reflection, learning, and renewed commitment. Participants including state actors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers came together to assess progress, share insights, and deepen collective strategies for ending violence against women and girls.
Building on previous dialogues with cultural and traditional leaders, the session reinforced the importance of transforming entrenched social and cultural norms that fuel GBV. It also spotlighted the critical role of community gatekeepers as custodians of change, capable of inspiring a ripple effect of positive behavior and attitudes within their communities.
By sharing practical experiences and measurable progress, stakeholders renewed their pledge to uphold the principles of equality, dignity, and justice.
FIDA Nigeria remains confident that the outcomes of this shared learning engagement will inspire real change strengthening networks, catalyzing community-driven initiatives, and fostering environments where women and girls can live free from violence and fear.
by FIDATransforming Tradition into Tools for Justice: FIDA Nigeria Leads Engagement with Faith and Cultural Leaders
Through strategic engagement with traditional and religious leaders, FIDA Nigeria is transforming the same platforms that once silenced victims into powerful tools for justice and protection.
At a recent engagement in Ikeja, we emphasized that real change begins when faith, culture, and justice stand together — on the side of protection, equality, and respect for every woman and girl. The forum, supported by the Ford Foundation, focused on shifting harmful norms, strengthening partnerships, and mobilizing communities to take concrete action against violence.
FIDA Nigeria will not relent until every home becomes a place of safety, every community a defender of women’s rights, and every act of violence a thing of the past.
by FIDAInternational Day of the Girl Child 2025
Theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
The story of the Nigerian girl is no longer one of silence. It is a story of capacity, inner strength, resilience, courage and leadership.
She is not the future; she is the now, leading change, driving innovation, and turning moments of crisis into opportunities for protection and growth.
Across Nigeria, girls are proving that leadership has no age and resilience has no limit. From Amara Nwuneli, winner of the 2025 Earth Prize for Environmental Innovation for transforming a landfill in Lagos into a safe playground using recycled tires, to Mary Victor Zira, who is rebuilding hope for displaced children through education in conflict-affected areas of Borno State, and Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabriella Okoye, who founded local tech hubs to teach girls coding and digital creativity, these young change makers are redefining what it means to lead and FIDA celebrates them all with unknown names working silently in their communities.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” captures their essence: bold, visionary, and relentless even in the face of challenges and hardship. They rise from the ashes overcoming obstacles such as poverty, insecurity, and harmful traditions to champion causes that protect not just themselves but their communities.
Education remains their most powerful tool. It fuels innovation, breaks the chains of inequality, and gives girls a voice. Yet millions of Nigerian girls still face barriers such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and insecurity that threaten their dreams.
FIDA Nigeria believes that when a girl learns, she transforms her world. Her education is not a privilege; it is her Right!
We also recognize and commend the incredible work being done by organizations, agencies, groups, movements, and different initiatives across Nigeria that continue to empower girls by providing support and mentorship, safe spaces, enabling education, and carrying out advocacy opportunities that help them to survive, thrive and eventually lead.
At FIDA Nigeria, we identify with such groups and remain steadfast in defending the rights of girls through legal aid, advocacy, and community engagement. The rights of the Nigerian girl are protected under the Child Rights Act (2003), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), and global instruments such as CEDAW and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. However, just laws alone are not enough; they must be lived out in classrooms, communities, and every corner where girls still fight to be heard. We must adopt a multifaceted approach to support and empower the girl child to succeed.
We therefore call on all tiers of government, civil society, and communities to:
- Invest deliberately in girls’ education and leadership, ensuring no girl is left behind.
- Protect girls from all forms of violence and exploitation through stronger enforcement of protection laws.
- Create spaces for girls’ participation in decision making, from schools to national platforms.
We the Nigerian Girl continuing to rise like a hibiscus after the storm, innovating, rebuilding, and inspiring. She is not a footnote in Nigeria’s story; she is the Story.
We celebrate the Nigerian Girl Child!
When one girl leads, generations follow!!
For : FIDA Nigeria
Signed:
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President / National President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria