The Feminist Hub will serve as a resource center to provide information on shrinking civic space highlighting efforts of civil society organizations and other groups to reclaim this space; also to amplify the voices of women, girls and groups made vulnerable by laws and policies.
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 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
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 VAPP Repeal Bill of 2024: A Threat to Women’s Rights in a Shrinking Civic Space Read More »
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
On October 20, 2020, the world watched in horror as peaceful protesters demanding an end to police brutality in Nigeria were met with gunfire at the Lekki Toll Gate. What began as a nationwide movement under the banner of #EndSARS, calling for the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), culminated in a tragic
The introduction of the “Counter Subversion Bill, 2024,” by Hon. Abass Tajudeen has raised deep concerns among civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria, particularly among organizations committed to promoting human rights, gender equality, and social justice. This bill poses a significant threat to the already shrinking civic space in Nigeria, with potentially devastating consequences for
The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 Read More »
In a world that continually champions the principles of equality and empowerment, it is disheartening to witness the shrinking civic space that threatens the voices and participation of girls in crucial societal discussions. The ability of girls to engage in civic matters, advocate for their rights, and contribute to their communities is a cornerstone of
In an ideal world, the path to women’s economic empowerment should be free from obstacles and discrimination. However, this vision remains far from reality in many parts of the globe. One significant challenge that women face in their quest for financial independence and empowerment is the shrinking civic space. This article delves into the complex
The Effects of Shrinking Civic Space on Women’s Economic Empowerment Read More »
In a thriving democracy, civil society has a crucial role to play. Think of it as the weaver of threads that create the fabric of good governance, where human rights are respected, equality is promoted, and marginalized voices are empowered. Sadly, in many places worldwide, this fabric is slowly coming apart, and women’s rights are
In today’s world, the struggle for women’s rights and gender equality has made remarkable progress, yet it remains a battle far from won. In many parts of the globe, women continue to face discrimination, violence, and marginalization. To address these challenges, women’s groups and organizations play a pivotal role in advocating for change. However, in
Introduction In recent years, the global landscape has borne witness to a deeply concerning trend: the gradual but persistent shrinking of civic space. This multifaceted phenomenon entails an array of restrictive measures imposed on civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, and human rights defenders, significantly curtailing their capacity to operate freely, voice dissent, and advocate for
In a world where the voices of the marginalized are often stifled, where freedom of expression is under threat, and where civil society faces increasing challenges, organizations like Vision Spring Initiatives are taking bold steps to ensure that civic space remains open, vibrant, and inclusive. In this pursuit, Vision Spring Initiatives, a member of the
Empowering Voices: Safeguarding Civic Space for Women and Defenders Read More »
