Women Rights Initiative (WORI)

Women Rights Initiative (WORI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 as a community-based initiative. In 2020, WORI officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, solidifying its commitment to promoting social justice and empowerment for women and marginalized populations.

Our Mission

At WORI, our mission is to create a society where women and marginalized populations can fully exercise their rights and live lives free from discrimination and violence. We are dedicated to advocating for gender equality, raising awareness about women's rights issues, and providing support to those who have been affected by gender-based violence and discrimination.

Our Goals

• Empowerment and Advocacy: Strengthen the voices of women and vulnerable groups through advocacy, capacity-building, and access to resources, ensuring their rights are recognized and respected.
• Education and Awareness: Promote awareness and education on climate change and its impact on marginalized populations, fostering understanding and action at community and policy levels.
• Access to Resources: Facilitate access to financial and educational resources for women, children, and persons with disabilities to enable them to engage in sustainable practices and climate action.
• Health and Well-being: Support initiatives that address the health needs of sickle cell patients and other vulnerable populations, ensuring they have access to necessary care and support.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Build strategic partnerships with local and international organizations to amplify efforts in supporting vulnerable populations and addressing climate change in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our Targets

• Increase Participation: Ensure at least 50% representation of women and vulnerable groups in local climate action committees by 2025.
• Training and Capacity Building: Conduct training programs for at least 1,000 women and vulnerable individuals annually on sustainable practices and climate resilience.
• Health Support Initiatives: Launch health camps and Gender-based violence awareness programs focused on sickle cell and disability care, Mental health on sexual Reproductive health Rights reaching at least 5,000 individuals each year.
• Policy Advocacy: Influence the development and implementation of at least three local or national policies that protect the rights of women and vulnerable populations in the context of climate change by 2030.

Our Services

With a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, WORI has the capacity to provide a range of services to support our mission. These include:

• Organizing workshops and training sessions on women's rights and gender equality
• Providing legal and counseling support to victims of gender-based violence
• Working with local communities to raise awareness about women's rights issues
• Advocating for policy changes that promote gender equality and social justice

Our Focus

Our organization focuses on advocating for the rights of women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV, victims of gender-based violence, and other vulnerable populations. We believe that every individual deserves to live a life of dignity and respect, free from discrimination and violence.

Our Commitment

At WORI, we are committed to promoting social justice and empowerment for women and marginalized populations. We work tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. We believe that every individual deserves to live a life of dignity and respect, and we are dedicated to creating positive change in society.

Inclusivity and Diversity

At WORI, we value inclusivity and diversity. We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, culture, or identity. We are committed to creating a world that is inclusive and equitable for all, including persons with disabilities.

Our Work in North West and North Central Nigeria

We have actively worked with women, girls, and children affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in various communities within the Northwest and North Central zones of Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State. We have supported GBV survivors in vulnerable communities such as Usher in Zuru Local Government, Gulumbe in Birnin Kebbi Local Government area, Kola Area and Ugwar Zabarmawa. Just to mention a few

Our Interventions

• Awareness Campaigns: We spearheaded GBV awareness programs to educate local women and girls about their rights, safety measures, and available support systems. We worked closely with local leaders and community influencers to foster a more supportive environment for survivors.
• Survivor Support Services: We provided immediate support and assistance to survivors of GBV, including counseling services, legal advice, and referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities. We facilitated access to psychosocial support to help survivors recover emotionally and mentally from their traumatic experiences.
• Capacity Building and Empowerment: We conducted workshops and training for women and girls on economic empowerment and self-sustainability to reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence. These initiatives aimed to give women the tools they need to gain financial independence and reduce dependence on abusive partners or households.
• Collaboration with Local Authorities: We engaged with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and traditional institutions to ensure that GBV cases are properly handled, victims receive justice, and perpetrators are held accountable. We worked closely with police units and healthcare professionals to establish safe reporting channels and provide swift responses to GBV incidents.
• Community Advocacy: We promoted social change by engaging community members in dialogues around the harmful effects of gender-based violence. These conversations were designed to challenge cultural norms and practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

Through this work, we have seen firsthand the resilience of women and girls in these communities. We are dedicated to continuing efforts that help build a future where they are safe, empowered, and free from violence.