Following several success stories, milestones and achievements recorded in the past five years of the implementation of the previous Women’s Voice Leadership (WVL) Project in Nigeria, Actionaid Nigeria (AAN) and Global Affairs Canada continue to strengthen their commitments towards this life-changing project by extending its implementation for another five years.
This was declared at the unveiling of “#AllNigerianWomenMatter” a Renewed WVL (RWVL) Project Launch in Abuja today with a major support from Global Affairs Canada, injecting whooping sum of $11Million into the project.
“The newly unveiled project aims to address prevalent cases of Gender inequality in Nigeria,” according to Pasquale Salvaggio, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, while giving his Opening Remark at the Launch.
“We are really pleased in keeping our commitments in supporting local Women’s Rights Organization through the good works of ActionAid Nigeria”.
“The past implementation of WVL Projects have recorded life-changing impacts across board, shaping gender equality policies and reflecting through overall national development in Nigeria.”
“We are absolutely pleased to have several allies and champions for this cause in Nigeria, as they are committed to combating gender based violence; promote women’s economic empowerment in order to increase their political participation and decision making” said the High Commissioner.
Recounting the positive impacts and achievements of WVL Projects in the last five years while giving his keynote address, AAN Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said “Over the past five years, through the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project, we have witnessed what is possible when women are supported to lead.
“Together, we strengthened over 182 women’s rights organisations, reached more than 752,667 women and girls directly and over 6,258,244 people indirectly in 24 states and the FCT and advanced women’s participation in decision-making, economic empowerment, justice, and politics.
“We also saw grassroots women take their rightful place in governance spaces; young feminists rise to challenge systemic barriers; and women in communities build livelihoods to support their families.
“Through powerful movement-building, campaigns such as the #OccupyNASS movement and the #StateOfEmergencyOnGBV call to action shook the national space and demanded accountability.”
Mamedu added that “as he and the partners and team celebrate these milestones, they also recognise that the work is far from complete.
“Inequalities persist, women continue to face barriers in politics and livelihoods, only 6.7% of women are in elective and appointive position in the current parliament compared to 22.5 global average and 23.4 African average.”
“Violence against women remains widespread in 2023, 27,698 cases in 6 states reported, and too many voices particularly those of women in conflict-affected communities remain excluded.”
“This is why the RWVL Project has been designed to deepen, expand, and sustain the gains of the last phase, through states expansion, increased partnerships and intersectional approaches.” he said.