WHAT – THE WOMEN’S VOICE AND LEADERSHIP NIGERIA PROJECT IMPACTS OVER 400 THOUSAND INDIVIDUALS IN KWARA STATE – CLOSEOUT AND DISSEMINATION CEREMONY ON THE IMPACT OF THE WVL-N PROJECT IN KWARA STATE The Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), had been successfully implemented by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) in collaboration with 3 Local Women’s Rights Organizations and 12 Community-based organizations in Kwara State. In Kwara State, the WVL-N project has directly reached 469,130 women and girls, and indirectly impacted 2,557,298 individuals including women, girls, men, boys and Persoons with disabilities, through various interventions. These interventions address important issues such as Women’s Economic Empowerment, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Women’s Political and Leadership participation. In the past 5 years, the WVL-N project has made a significant impact in Kwara state with an investment of 295,860,744.66 Naira. This remarkable achievement underscores the profound impact that can be achieved when organizations and communities work together towards a shared goal, and serves as an inspiration for future efforts towards gender equality and women empowerment.Collaboration is key to achieving great things, and in Kwara State, the WVL-N project has formed strong relationships with Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Business and Innovation, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense, Federal Associations of Female Lawyers, Faith Based Organizations, Youth Leaders, Market Women Associations, Alanguwas, Traditional Leaders, Artisans, Religious Leaders among others. These organizations have come together to make an impact on a range of issues, including reducing gender-based violence, supporting women’s leadership roles, and building financial capacities among female petty traders, showing what can be achieved when organizations work in harmony towards a common goal.The WVL-N project has not only empowered women and girls but also changed the lives of their families and communities. By giving women and girls a platform to raise their voices and take control of their own lives, the project has helped foster positive change in the society. It’s time to celebrate all the remarkable achievements that the Kwara State Project Implementers have accomplished in phase 1 of the WVL-N project! On the 23rd of July 2024, we’ll come together to honor our collective progress, reflect on our journey, discuss the lasting impact of our initiatives. This event will be celebration of all the women, girls, and organizations who made this project a success, and will serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and impact we can make when we work together.
WHY?The Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL – Nigeria) project is a five-year project that is funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project is building the capacities and supporting activities of Local and National Women’s Rights Organizations and movements who seek to empower women and girls, advance the protection of women and girls’ rights, and achieve gender equality in Nigeria. Through this project, ActionAid Nigeria has re-defined the narratives of Donor funding by establishing partnerships with over 100 women’s rights organizations who have the privilege of accessing funds which allows them the flexibility of implementing their respective core mandates as women-focused organizations. This intervention is designed to respond to the challenges faced by Local Women’s Rights Organizations in Nigeria through provision of multiple layers of funding and targeted/tailored capacity building. This is done using participatory learning techniques to empower women and their collectives, and girls to challenge deep seated oppressive cultural practices and violence against them in communities, and at the local and state government levels; engage in economic activities and participate in decision making spaces and processes; build solidarity and movement and better able to demand accountability from duty bearers at all levels through campaigns. The project is implemented in seven states (7) (Bauchi, Cross River, Enugu, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos and FCT).Apart from funding, partners have access to tools, resources, and mentorship opportunities which further strengthen and sustain their financial, technical, and organizational capacity in advancing the rights of women and girls and addressing gender equality barriers more effectively. Additionally, the project supports feminist platforms at the state and federal levels for more effective networking and greater cohesiveness in the advancement of women and girls’ rights. Since its inception in April 2019 and full commencement in July 2019, the project has been funding the implementation of impactful activities around Addressing Gender-Based Violence/Violence Against Women and Girls, Women Political Participation, and Economic Justice in eighteen (18) states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. To ensure a geographic balance, the project states were selected to represent the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.WHO?Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria- Andrew Mamedu, Program Manager, Women’s Right Unit, WVL-N Project, Niri Goyit, Manager, ActionAid Nigeria staff, Community Women, ActionAid Partners.WHERE?Venue: Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin Kwara StateDate: Tuesday, July 23, 2024.ContactAnastasia Duru Communications Officer, Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project; Anastasia.Duru@actionaid.org ; +234 816 688 0188ActionAid is a global organisation that is dedicated to the fight against poverty; its vision is a world, without poverty and injustice, in which every person enjoys his or her right to life with dignity. ActionAid works in over 40 countries across the globe. ActionAid Nigeria has been working in Nigeria since 1999