Nigerian Women Voices Matters (NWVM): A new movementaRise in Nigeria
Women have long been systematically excluded from economic and political power in society, and are often victims of gender-based violence. While in many parts of the world, aid for women in vulnerable situations has been increasingly considered, only in this century is exclusive advocacy of women in Nigeria is gradually becoming mainstream.
Lady D, as she is called by many, is an American, who noticed Nigeria is yet to have as many global women-centered organizations as other western countries decided to offer crucial aid to better the lives of women in the country of Nigeria. Lady D, is establishing an organization in Nigeria, tagged Nigerian Women Voices Matter (NWVM) to help amplify the voices of Nigerian women. The organization aids women-led outreaches in the country; providing provisional support including publicity and networking opportunities. It further works with other women to provide medical, educational, and community crisis assistance for women who are in need of it in varying communities.
Lady D, who is a domestic violence survivor has overcome many test and trials, thus, has a strong passion to see women healed, whole and empowered. She is making a strong effort to impact the nation of Nigeria. During 2021, 16-days of activism against gender-based violence, she donated almost an acre of land to Nigerian Women Voices Matter for the building of a domestic violence shelter for women with children and a community training center. Consequently, the NWVM team is passionate about building a domestic shelter on the land donated. The Shelter is to be located in New Karshi Development Area, and is estimated to be completed in thirty-six months. The Shelter plans to accommodate about forty to sixty women with children for up to four months.
Domestic shelters are instrumental in enhancing social change to prevent violence against women and girls. Thus, NVWM Shelters will provide a sanctuary for women with children who are subjected to intimate partner violence amongst other forms of physical abuse from men. It will further provide essential aspects of protection, services, and resources that enable women who have experienced abuse and their children to take a break from this cycle. It will aid survivors to recover from the violence, rebuild self-worth, connect with support groups, and have time to build an independent life. NVWM Shelter, can also help women to avoid being subjected to future abuse at the hands of violent men.
Other provisional support being provided by the Nigerian Women Voices Matter under the leadership support of Lady D, is the google help app locator, a resourceful app where people can locate community resources across Nigeria, such as on-site feeding centers, a site where people can come and eat a free meal, locate pregnancy shelters, medical services, and more. The resource app is to further function as a platform for women to seek help while in vulnerable situations; as well as a platform for volunteers to donate financial resources.
NWVM organization is relatively new in the country thus it is open to volunteers, financial, and resources donations. The organization yearns to collaborate with individuals and corporations who provide business and wealth education, medical services, provisions such as sanitary pads, and foodstuffs, books; all geared towards aiding vulnerable women including survivors of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and women in prison.
Lady D, hopes that through the organization, NWVM, Nigerians abroad are proud to associate with their country. Survivors of gender-based violence could also be able to get the help they need promptly, the voices of women are amplified, women who lead outreaches are able to connect and make more impacts in their communities.
To request Lady D, or to partake in this movement, you can send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]