The Women's Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project, a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria, has been instrumental in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls across six Nigerian states and the FCT. The project has provided critical financial and technical support to over 100 local feminist/women's rights organisations, enabling them to tackle discrimination and rights violations.
Through its extensive network of partners, WVL-N has influenced various policies focusing on women's economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence (GBV), increasing women's political participation, and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights. Key achievements include the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and Child Rights Act in several states, advocacy for 35% Affirmative Action for women in politics, and the development of gender policies for universities.
The project also addresses the socio-inclusion of elderly women and aims for sustainable progress through continued advocacy, strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing women's political participation, and expanding economic empowerment initiatives like VSLA schemes.