When Attacks and Silence Collide: The Untold Mental Health Struggles of Women and Girls in a Shrinking Civic Space

When safe spaces disappear, so too does our sense of sanctuary, leaving us vulnerable in a world increasingly hostile to our existence. For women and girls, the challenges go beyond political marginalization. The intersection of targeted attacks and enforced silence profoundly impacts the mental health, leaving scars that are rarely acknowledged, let alone addressed. By Soneye […]

Education under siege: The Impact of Insurgency and civic space restrictions on Girl’s access to education in the North-East Nigeria

Education is a cornerstone of personal and societal development, yet for many girls in Nigeria, it remains a fragile dream under siege. Insurgent activities and restrictive civic spaces compound the challenges they face, creating a landscape where pursuing education becomes an act of defiance. Insurgency since 2009 has disrupted educational system in the northeastern region […]

The VAPP Repeal Bill of 2024: A Threat to Women’s Rights in a Shrinking Civic Space

In 2024, Nigeria faces yet another blow to the advancement of human rights as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act comes under threat of repeal. The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, has been a crucial piece of legislation designed to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by providing legal remedies and protections for victims […]

The Impact of Shrinking Civic Space on Accountability: The Role of NGOs and CBOs in addressing Sexual Violence in IDP Camps.

Working on women’s issues is already a challenge because it seeks to address or directly tackle issues of patriarchy. For example, there are gender stereotypes and issues of power that Women Human Rights Defenders continue to get confronted with in the cause of their work. There are a number of challenges involving discrimination and religious […]