Global Reach: Past Grantees

Context:

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of approximately 185 million; more than half of this is under the age of 30 and approximately one third between the ages of 10 and 24. 53% of the population lives below the international poverty line of $1.90 per day. Nigeria has an HIV adult prevalence rate of 3.4% and 3.2 million people living with HIV (only South Africa has a larger HIV+ population). Young people account for 30% of HIV+ cases in Nigeria. The recent publication of the revised UN World Population Prospects which predicted that Nigeria’s population would overtake the United States as the world’s 3rd most populous country exceeding 300 million, has concentrated minds and there is a renewed emphasis on livelihoods by donors and government.

Organization:

Girls Power Initiative (GPI) is one of the oldest women’s rights organisations in Nigeria. It was established in 1994 following the return of democracy in Nigeria and works to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health and development of adolescent girls in Nigeria. Its core programmes focus on increasing leadership and life management skills of adolescent girls through the provision of a safe space for girls to exchange ideas and seek solutions to their problems; raising awareness on issues of youth sexuality, gender and human rights through engagement with adolescents, parents, teachers and the media; reducing the social, cultural and religious practices and beliefs that violate the rights of girls; and building the capacity of various stakeholders to advocate for girls’ rights and sexual and reproductive health in Nigeria.