WAVE Foundation's Transformative Quest for Gender Equality and Empowerment in Nigeria

By Bem Abubaker

The WAVE Foundation, under the leadership of the dedicated Arc. Lola Ibrahim, MNIA, serves as a powerful source of inspiration when it comes to promoting social and personal accountability. Through their unwavering resolve, they have made a profound impact on numerous lives, leaving an enduring legacy in society. The WAVE Foundation is firmly dedicated to empowering women and girls in Nigeria, with their ambitious goals extending far beyond. Their admirable mission revolves around eradicating harmful practices and tirelessly advocating for the rights and welfare of women and girls.

WAVE Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by children, while protecting them from harmful practices, exploitation, and abuse, both in the physical and digital realms. Their multi-faceted approach encompasses rehabilitation, prevention, advocacy, education, and community engagement.

In the realm of rehabilitation, WAVE Foundation extends critical support and assistance to survivors of violence, including those who have undergone the trauma of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Their rehabilitation programs offer women the tools and resources to rebuild their lives after enduring violence or exploitation. Prevention is another pivotal facet of WAVE Foundation's work. Their efforts revolve around educating communities on the perils of practices like FGM and violence against women and girls. By instigating this prevention drive, they aim to create a society where these practices are eradicated from the outset.

WAVE Foundation's advocacy initiatives bear significant weight in their mission. They actively champion the rights of women and girls, pushing for policy changes and legal reforms. Through their vocal advocacy, they aim to cultivate a society where women's contributions are not only valued but fiercely protected. Education is deemed a cornerstone of empowerment at WAVE Foundation. The belief held is that education plays an instrumental role in propelling women and girls forward. Through their educational programs, they equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary for success across various spheres of life, be it leadership, care giving, or production.

WAVE Foundation deeply understands the importance of community engagement in creating lasting, impactful change. They collaborate closely with communities to promote gender equality, challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes, and engage men and boys in the battle against violence and exploitation. Their aim is to create a society where women's contributions are not just recognized but celebrated. The Foundation seeks to facilitate freedom of choice and self-confidence for women within the communities it serves. A key initiative of theirs is rehabilitation, offering critical support to survivors of violence, including those affected by FGM. By providing counseling, medical assistance, and skills training, they empower women to regain their independence and self-confidence.

A pivotal aspect of WAVE Foundation's work is forging impactful partnerships. Notably, they have partnered with the United Nations (UN) in Nigeria, as well as national and global organizations dedicated to peace, security, and climate change. These collaborations not only underscore the foundation's commitment to substantial progress but also expand their reach and amplify their impact.

One striking achievement was the production of "EndFGM" jingles in various major Nigerian languages, a project that reached audiences nationwide through NTA International Stations. Additionally, WAVE is actively implementing the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Program for the elimination of FGM in Osogbo, Osun States, in Nigeria, spanning from 2023 to 2028. This extensive program signifies a significant leap in their quest to eliminate violence against women. Workshops and community sensitization initiatives are integral to this mission.

Collaborating with the Public Affairs Department of the US Mission, Abuja, and WAVE initiated a monthly workshop for FGM survivors at the American Space in Abuja. This initiative has offered valuable support and empowerment to survivors, aiding in their healing and recovery. WAVE aspires to expand this initiative to American Spaces in more Nigerian states in the upcoming year, thus reaching a larger number of survivors.

These are just a few of the strategic initiatives undertaken by WAVE Foundation to combat the exploitation of women. Their dedication to this cause and their transformative efforts make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of women confronted by various forms of exploitation.

PURSUING IMPACT BEYOND NIGERIA’S BORDERS

WAVE Foundation's partnerships extend beyond national boundaries. They have not only partnered with the UN in Nigeria but have engaged with the Federal Ministry of Health, UNFPA Nigeria, UNICEF Nigeria, UN Women Nigeria, and more, to champion gender equality, end gender-based violence, and bolster women's rights in Nigeria. WAVE Foundation's Special Consultative Status with The Economic and Social Council of The United Nations underscores their global influence. WAVE's President serves as the Cluster Chair under AWLN Nigeria, reflecting their pivotal role in discussions focused on peace, security, and ending violence against women and girls. Through their collaborations with the UN and various entities, WAVE demonstrates a resolute commitment to creating positive change in gender equality and violence prevention in Nigeria.

In a world fraught with gender-based challenges, collaborative efforts on peace and women's issues open doors for WAVE to work with like-minded organizations on a larger canvas. This collaboration allows WAVE to access resources, networks, and platforms that might not be readily available at a regional or national level.

Collaborations serve to amplify WAVE's impact and outreach. They provide access to resources and networks that can significantly bolster their programs and initiatives. WAVE's advocacy gains momentum as it uses these partnerships to raise awareness about the importance of peace, gender equality, and violence prevention on an international stage.

Through collaborations with various entities, such as the United Nations, UNFPA Nigeria, AWLN Nigeria, Nigeria Television Authority, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Health, and other global civil society organizations, WAVE Foundation actively promotes gender equality and women's empowerment in Nigeria. These partnerships have resulted in diverse initiatives, including educational programs, community engagement activities, and advocacy campaigns aimed at challenging harmful gender norms and promoting women's rights.

WAVE Foundation's initiatives strive to empower women by offering them support, education, and resources. By challenging harmful gender norms, changing perceptions, and fostering supportive communities, WAVE Foundation aims to provide women with the tools they need to succeed. Women often encounter discrimination and power imbalances in society, leading to various challenges, including limited access to healthcare, gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices like FGM, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes. WAVE Foundation tailors its initiatives to address these challenges. They focus on rehabilitation, prevention, and advocacy, along with community engagement, education, and awareness-raising activities. Through these efforts, they work to break down barriers and promote gender equality.

To gauge the impact of their initiatives, WAVE Foundation employs a comprehensive and multifaceted approach:

Data Collection and Analysis- They collect quantitative and qualitative data at various program stages, enabling them to gain insights into the changes and improvements experienced by program participants. WAVE Foundation also establishes specific KPIs to track progress and measure the success of their initiatives, such as the number of women gaining employment or starting businesses through their programs, while regular impact assessments evaluate the long-term effects of interventions.