Girls Education Summit

Panelists at the Inaugural Girls Education Summit.
Image by Shades of Us

By Cynthia Umeh

On November 21, 2024, we had the honor of attending the Girls Education Summit 2024 (GES'24), hosted by the Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), in partnership with NGYouthSDGs, and in collaboration with The Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG), Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), and Shades of Us. The theme of the summit was ‘Championing the Rights of Young Women and Girls to Quality Education in Policy and Practice’, a timely discussion given the significant barriers girls face in accessing education across Nigeria.

Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

Image by PAGED Initiative at the Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Event

By Cynthia Umeh

On November 27, 2024, the Participatory Communication for Gender Development (PAGED) Initiative in partnership with Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) hosted a transformative discourse event at Cavic Hub, Abuja, themed ‘Speaking Out Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Its Impact on Girls’ Education’. This gathering brought together advocates, survivors, and key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for combating SGBV and empowering girls to access education without fear.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment Against Women and Minorities

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

by Atinuke Adeosun

Africa’s digital revolution connects millions to new opportunities, fostering communication, learning, and innovation. However, this transformation also has a dark side. Digital platforms have become fertile ground for cyberbullying and online harassment, disproportionately targeting women and minorities.

Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Waru

Shades of Us at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja.

Global Girl Leadership Project Conference

By Cynthia Umeh

Shades of Us was at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja. This event, organized by Strong Enough Girl Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) in partnership with the Global Girl Project, aimed to address the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and its ripple effects on young girls and their communities. 

Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Panel Session on 'Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions'.
Image Credit: Shehu Musa Yar'adua Foundation

By Cynthia Umeh

On November 28, 2024, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, with support from Ford Foundation, and in partnership with Education as a Vaccine, Gender Mobile, and TechHer Nigeria, hosted a public policy forum titled, ‘Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions’. This event aimed to address the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigerian tertiary institutions and to discuss actionable strategies for creating safer campuses.

Why Is Gender-Based Violence Prevalent In Africa?

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By Pius Onyebujor

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global problem crossing cultural, economic, and geographic boundaries, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, Africa faces some of the highest rates of GBV globally due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and deeply rooted patriarchal systems.

Shades of Us at the Movies & BBQ Night

By Cynthia Umeh

On November 23, we had a nice experience at the Movies & BBQ festival: An Evening of Fun, Games, Barbecue, and Movies! The festival was organized by Motion Pictures International Film Festival in collaboration with ATW STUDIOS. The event was packaged by Kris Mokwunye.

Best Practices for Gender-Based Violence Support and Rehabilitation

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with survivors often facing multiple barriers when seeking support and rehabilitation. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, psychological, cultural, and healthcare interventions. 

How Can Men Help Reduce Gender Inequality?

Photo by David Crypto on Pexels

By Precious Olayinka

Gender inequality is not just a women's problem. It is a human problem. For society to prosper, everyone must play a role in dismantling the structures that continue to perpetuate gender inequality. Men tend to hold higher positions in many societies, especially in countries like Nigeria, where patriarchy is widespread. This is quite appalling, but it also gives them a unique opportunity to be an ally in the fight against inequality. Here are some ways men can play their part in creating a more just world.

Healing Through Stories

Photo by ShotPot on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

Domestic violence leaves deep and enduring scars—physical, emotional, and psychological. For survivors, the journey to recovery can feel daunting, but healing is possible. It begins with recognizing the pain, seeking help, and cultivating a supportive environment to rediscover one’s sense of self.