HeForHer Project

Overview of my Social Impact Project

The HeForHer Project is a community-driven initiative tackling the pervasive issue of violence against women in Ife, Nigeria. This project confronts harmful masculine norms and promotes gender equality, empowering men to become allies and advocates for women's rights.

Violence against women is a rampant issue in Nigerian communities, with alarming rates of physical and sexual violence. Harmful masculine norms perpetuate this cycle, silencing survivors and normalizing abuse. The HeForHer Project addresses this critical problem by challenging societal norms and promoting healthy relationships.

The project's ultimate goal is to create a society where men and women can live without fear of violence, promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. To achieve this, HeForHer focuses on educating men on healthy masculinity, gender equality, and respectful relationships. By mobilizing men as allies and advocates for women's rights, the project fosters a supportive community that encourages men to speak out against violence.

Through community outreach and engagement, partnerships with local organizations, and social media campaigns, HeForHer creates a ripple effect that inspires lasting change. By building capacity and training volunteers, the project ensures sustainability and amplifies its impact.

As a result, HeForHer transforms attitudes and behaviors among men, reduces violence against women, and empowers survivors.

HeForHer envisions a future where men and women collaborate to build a world free from violence and discrimination. By engaging men in the solution, the project paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Why is this important to me?

Growing up, a horrific incident shook the community. A 35-year-old man brutally beat his wife into a coma. Their 7-year-old daughter witnessed the abuse, her innocent eyes forever scarred. Neighbors intervened, but the damage was done.

This tragedy sparked the HeForHer project, a movement to end violence against women. Led by me, the initiative aims to challenge harmful masculine norms and promote gender equality.

HeForHer sought to prevent similar tragedies by educating men on healthy relationships, empathy, and respect. Through community outreach, workshops, and social media campaigns, the project encourages men to become allies, advocates, and agents of change. By engaging men in conversations about gender equality, HeForHer fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

The HeForHer Project's long-term vision is to transform Nigerian society into a haven where men and women coexist in harmony, enjoying equal rights and opportunities without fear of violence or discrimination. By 2030, we envision a nation where gender equality is deeply ingrained in cultural norms, policies, and practices.

In this future, communities are safe, inclusive, and supportive for all individuals, regardless of gender. The scourge of violence against women has decreased significantly, with a 50% reduction in reported cases. Men have become active advocates for women's rights, with three-quarters of them engaged in promoting gender equality.

Policy reforms and legislation prioritize gender equality and protection, reflecting the societal shift. Harmful masculine norms are rejected by an overwhelming majority of community members, replaced by healthy attitudes and behaviors that celebrate mutual respect and understanding.

Women and girls can move freely, pursue their dreams, and reach their full potential without fear of harassment, abuse, or intimidation. Men are empowered to express emotions, challenge toxic masculinity, and foster positive relationships.

The HeForHer Project's impact extends beyond individual lives, influencing systemic change and institutional practices. Education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are accessible and equitable for all.

Ultimately, this vision guides our efforts, inspiring us to work tirelessly towards a brighter, more inclusive Nigeria – a nation where every individual can thrive, free from fear, violence, or inequality.

Project Activities and Impact

To achieve the HeForHer Project's ambitious vision, our team is embarking on a multifaceted approach that combines community engagement, education, and advocacy. We are starting by establishing partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to build a strong network of support and amplify our impact.

Through interactive workshops and training sessions, we would educate men about healthy masculinity, gender equality, and respectful relationships. These sessions would provide a safe space for men to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors, challenge harmful norms, and develop empathy for women's experiences.

Our team would also working closely with schools and educational institutions to integrate gender-sensitive curricula and promote positive values among young people. By engaging with students, teachers, and administrators, we aim to cultivate a new generation of leaders who champion gender equality and respect.

To reach a broader audience, we would leverage social media platforms, community radio, and local newspapers to disseminate messages about gender equality, challenge harmful stereotypes, and share stories of positive change. 

In addition, our team would provide support and resources to survivors of gender-based violence, connect them with local services and advocacy groups. We would also collaborate with policymakers and lawmakers to advocate for policy reforms and legislation that prioritize gender equality and protection.

Through community outreach and engagement, we would mobilize men to become allies and advocates for women's rights. 

By taking a holistic and community-driven approach, our team is confident that the HeForHer Project will create lasting change and contribute to a more equitable society for all Nigerians.

My Millennium Fellowship Experience 

As a Co-campus Director of the Millennium Fellowship OAU Cohort C, I had the privilege of leading a cohort of exceptional student leaders dedicated to addressing pressing social challenges. Our campus's participation in the global Millennium Fellowship program has been a transformative experience, fostering a culture of social responsibility, innovation, and collaboration.

Through this role, I witnessed firsthand the growth of our fellows as they developed impactful projects, honed leadership skills, and forged meaningful connections with peers and mentors. 

 Call to Action

Take the HeForHer pledge today and commit to:

Challenging harmful masculine norms

Supporting survivors of gender-based violence

Advocating for policy reforms

Get Involved:

Volunteer with us

Donate to support our programs

Share your story and inspire others

Together, let's create a safer, more equitable society for all.