Rise Up began its transformative work in partnership with local Nigeria leaders a decade ago. We had the privilege to meet and train the latest cohort of 24 Rise Up Leaders in Nigeria from a multitude of professional backgrounds, experiences, and identities earlier this year. New Nigeria leaders participated in the first part of the Rise Up Leadership Journey – our intensive Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator – and now can apply for competitive grant funding to carry out advocacy projects focused on improving girls’ education, access to health care, and women’s economic opportunity. We have a tight-knit group of 100+ Rise Up Leader alumni in Nigeria who have all benefited from the expertise and guidance of our in-country team as they work to strengthen gender equity laws, policies, and programs.
We asked three new leaders in Nigeria to share about the start of their Rise Up journey and how they will apply what they learned to create meaningful change in their communities and country.
Executive Director, Women & Girls Capabilities & Empowerment Organization
“The [Rise Up] training I underwent significantly expanded my understanding of the crucial role advocacy plays in shaping policies that positively impact the lives of women and girls. It also emphasized the importance of ensuring these interventions are sustainable and aligned with global development goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.”
Executive Director, Pride of Sheba
“My experience with Rise Up has profoundly impacted my leadership journey. The workshop equipped me with practical skills, expanded my network, and instilled a renewed sense of purpose, empowering me to lead with greater confidence and effectiveness in driving positive change within my community and beyond.”
Program Manager, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
“My favorite aspect of the training was the focus on alliance building and networking. It allowed me to connect with fellow advocates, share stories, and explore opportunities for collaboration.”
Meet all of the new Rise Up Leaders in Nigeria here. Stay tuned for more updates about how Nigeria leaders are advocating for gender equity and justice change.
