RWVL-N Project Expands Support for Women’s Rights Groups Nationwide

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Women’s Rights Organisations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones are scaling up initiatives on gender equality, economic empowerment, political participation and ending gender-based violence under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project (RWVL-N Project).  The RWVL-N Project supports locally led interventions in Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos and the FCT. It provides grant funding, institutional support, movement-building and advocacy to strengthen groups advancing the rights of women and girls.

In Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria is driving women’s economic empowerment through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. FOMWAN has convened 56 traditional, religious and community leaders across 10 communities to build grassroots backing for women’s financial inclusion.

In Enugu, the Women Aid Collective inaugurated the Enugu State RWVL-N Project Steering Committee to coordinate responses to gender-based violence. The committee brings together NAPTIP, the Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Development, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, the Disabilities Commission, and civil society partners to strengthen joint action for women and girls.

In Cross River, Gender and Development Action is mapping gender gaps in the palm oil, cocoa and seafood value chains identifying opportunities for women and informing advocacy for more inclusive economic policies.

Women Radio 91.7FM is leading public engagement on women’s political participation ahead of the 2027 elections. Its programmes focus on candidate visibility, voter education and public discussion on women in politics.   The Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation is profiling women leaders and providing information on the electoral process to boost women’s participation in politics and leadership.

In Benue, Imo, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos and the FCT, other participating groups are running programmes on economic empowerment, prevention of gender-based violence, political participation, leadership development and social inclusion.

Beyond grants, RWVL-N helps organisations strengthen internal systems, improve sustainability and build alliances. The project also supports strategic communication to raise public awareness and document impact.

The RWVL-N builds on the achievements of Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project and reinforces locally led approaches that position Women’s Rights Organisations as central to advancing gender equity and the rights of women and girls in Nigeria. The Renewed Women’s Voices and Leadership Nigeria Project is a five-year initiative implemented by ActionAid Nigeria with funding from Global Affairs Canada. It provides institutional strengthening, grants, movement-building and advocacy for Women’s Rights Organisations nationwide

Emmanuel Olonade

Communications Specialist Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation