Sola POPOOLA
A Frontline Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) ,The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) has marked its 14th anniversary, celebrating over a decade of championing the rights of women and girls and promoting democratic integrity across Africa.
Founded on September 17, 2012, from a step of faith in a small shop following a vision received in March of that year, the organization has grown into a formidable women-led continental force under the leadership of its Founder and Executive Director, Abimbola Aladejare-Salako.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the organization said its holistic approach has delivered measurable impact across several pillars including support for vulnerable children and women, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence prevention and ethical storytelling, policy advocacy, and electoral integrity.
According to the statement, through its _When Girls Talk_ and _When Boys Konnet_ programmes, NIGAWD has empowered over 10,000 adolescent boys and girls. The group also runs AskNIVI, a WhatsApp-enabled platform for SRHR information, alongside AI-driven videos and digital advocacy.
On the fight against Female Genital Mutilation, NIGAWD noted that it has rescued thousands of girls from the practice. Its Executive Director had spoken at the first End FGM Summit in the United States in 2016 and served as African Union Saleema Youth Ambassador for West Africa and End FGM Ambassador from 2016 to 2019, driving advocacy across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Egypt, The Gambia, Kenya, Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The organization also highlighted its work on Gender-Based Violence, where it champions the “Do No Harm” principle, a message its Executive Director projected at the Dubai Expo 2020.
NIGAWD also served as a member of the Civil Society Africa Reference Group on the Spotlight Initiative.
In the area of democracy, NIGAWD said its _Vote Not Fight – Election No Be War_ campaign and YERP Naija initiative have promoted peaceful elections and youth participation across the Southwest, including spearheading the Osun State Governorship Election Situation Room.
The statement also acknowledged partners including the European Union’s 10th EDF through UNDP/UNODC, The Girl Generation, UNFPA, NDI, Equal Measures 2030, Global Media Campaign, AmplifyChange, Equality Now and the SOAWR Coalition.
In her anniversary message, Aladejare-Salako said: “Fourteen years ago, as a young woman with no support, I took a leap of faith to obey an instruction. I didn’t know if this vision would collapse at year three. Today, we look back at a 14-year journey of immense impact, powered by the grace of God and the dedication of our vision helpers.”
The organization said as it enters its 15th year, it will deepen action on gender-based violence, harmful social norms, digital inequalities, youth participation, democratic accountability and implementation of laws affecting women and girls.