Special Initiatives
Welcome to our “Special Initiatives” page, a dedicated space highlighting key projects driving transformative change in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Here, we spotlight two vital programs: MenEngage Nigeria, a powerful network actively working to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and improving SRHR outcomes across Nigeria, and EEWG Free to Be Me, which champions the rights and well-being of young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, through impactful work focused on empowerment and creating safe spaces.
Economic Empowerment Working Group (EEWG)
The Economic Empowerment Working Group (EEWG) is a collective of organizations and activists committed to advancing the financial well-being and economic inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria. Hosted by the Initiative for Gender Equality and Sexual Reproductive Health (IGE-SRH), the EEWG operates under the F2BM program to foster economic sustainability and empowerment.
The Economic Empowerment Working Group (EEWG) Nigeria’s research explores Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Nigeria’s corporate sector through the lens of LGBTIQ inclusion. It reveals how discriminatory laws, cultural norms, and weak accountability hinder meaningful progress, leaving queer employees marginalized. While most policies focus on gender and disability, LGBTIQ-specific measures remain absent or symbolic. The study highlights emerging opportunities and offers actionable recommendations, framing LGBTIQ inclusion as both a human rights necessity and a business advantage.
The Marginalized community in Nigeria faces systemic discrimination and exclusion that limit access to jobs, finances, and opportunities. To tackle this, the Economic Empowerment Working Group, made up of IGE-SRH, CHIYN, and HAHAI, was formed to push for inclusive policies and promote a sustainable queer economy in Nigeria.
MENENGAGE NIGERIA
MenEngage Nigeria is a coalition of organizations and individuals working together to promote gender equality and social justice through advocacy, research, and capacity-building initiatives. Hosted by the Initiative for Gender Equality and Sexual Reproductive Health (IGE-SRH), we are part of the broader MenEngage Africa and Global MenEngage Alliance.
