About Us
Initiative for Women and Girls Right Advancement
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WHO WE ARE
Initiative for Women and Girls Right Advancement (IWOGRA) was birthed in May 2020 and started operations in May 2020 as a youth-led non-governmental, non-profit women and girls’ right organization that works towards the promotion and protection of human rights, equity and social justice in Nigeria. In August 17, 2020 IWOGRA became an Incorporated Trustee through registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.
The birth of IWOGRA was as a result of the changing economic context, the emergence of corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic, closure of schools, insecurity, poverty and persistent violence against women and girls in Nigeria especially in rural communities. During the lockdown declared by the Nigeria Government to curtail the spread of the virus, there was increased incidence of violence against women and girls, especially sexual and domestic violence. This threatened women and girls’ ability to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 and hindering accessibility of formal and informal sources of help. While the lockdown was eased, a large number of women and girls still continued to face series of violence ranging from defilement, rape, forced economic dependence and domestic violence. This was a difficult time for women and girls as they fall victim to verbal attacks and violence from family and the society with little or no information on how to seek redress. Hence, there was need for innovative approaches to support victims/survivors, with emphasis on ways in which perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence may be using the threat of COVID-19 to further gain power and control over the victims/survivors.
With time, a concerned young feminist, human rights lawyer and gender activist decided to establish the organisation in order to begin efforts aimed at protecting and promoting women and girls’ rights through advocacy, reporting, strategic litigation, capacity building, education, psychosocial support and research. IWOGRA started off with online campaigns against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and provided online counselling to survivors of SGBV. In dare cases, survivors were referred to relevant SGBV service providers for further redress. This singular initiative led to increase in reported cases of SGBV and this made the organisation to broaden its scope by engaging rural communities for the reduction of SGBV by focusing on addressing the sociocultural norms and practices that exacerbates violence against women and girls (VAWG).
OUR VISION
A peaceful society that upholds the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls.
OUR MISSION
To enhance efforts targeted at improving women and girls physical, mental, economic and social wellbeing through advocacy, programmes, policy engagements and strategic litigation.
OUR GOALS
- Provide a responsive, supportive and innovative assistance for ending violence against women and girls.
- To provide women and girls access to information on sexual and reproductive health and right.
- Empower women and girls by strengthening their socio-economic status and providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to live a sustainable and healthy life.
- To grow and sustain an effective organization.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- To increase institutional and social support for ending violence against women and girls.
- To enhance women and girls’ knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and right.
- To improve the living standards of women and girls by creating opportunities for economic independence and decision making.
- To strengthen the institutional capacity of IWOGRA.
OUR CORE VALUES
IWOGRA is guided by values that create the foundation of our organization, reflecting our core priorities and also the attitude and perspective we bring to them. Our core values are:
- Evolving/Courage of Conviction: IWOGRA is a dynamic organization that keeps up with changes not only in the development sector (women and girls’ issues) but also in our communities. We take cues and adapt to these changes to meet the needs of women and girls and to stay current with popular culture. We welcome ideas and feedback from everyone and we strive to incorporate relevant feedback into our work. We are creative and radical, bold and innovative, without fear of failure in pursuit of making the greatest possible impact on the cause of injustice and gender inequality.
- Accountability: We deliver our mandate and conduct our programs with clear, professional policies and procedures that take into respect client and staff confidentiality, safety, and wellbeing. We are fiscally prudent and community-minded. We hold ourselves accountable to our actions because we know that the way we deliver our service and the way we treat others has implications beyond our walls. We are honest, transparent and accountable at all levels for the effectiveness of our actions and our use of resources and open in our judgments and communications with others.
- Mutual Respect: We recognize the innate worth of all people and the value of diversity.
- Equity and Justice: We try to ensure the realization of our vision for everyone, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, HIV status, disability, location and religion.
- Safety: IWOGRA strives to maintain a safe space, free from violence and discrimination. We recognize that personal safety is a fundamental right for everyone.
- Confidentiality: We respect the wishes of those we work with and for. We do not share personal details about someone with others, unless that person consents to it or it’s absolutely necessary.
- Collaboration: We welcome collaborative relationships, both formal and informal with other organizations. We believe that working with men and women from relevant sectors will enable us to deepen our roots in our community in a holistic manner and expand our circle of influence.
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