- Because Every Life Deserves Safety, Dignity, and a Voice.
In conflict-affected regions of northeastern Nigeria, protection is not just a need — it’s a matter of survival. Women and children, especially those displaced by insurgency, face alarming risks of abuse, exploitation, gender-based violence (GBV), early marriage, and neglect. Many are left voiceless, without support or justice.
At Wahatana Empowerment Initiative (WEI), we stand with the most vulnerable. We are committed to creating safe spaces, restoring dignity, and building systems that protect lives and uphold human rights.
The protection crisis in numbers
⚠️ Over 70% of displaced persons in northeast Nigeria are women and children.
🚨 1 in 3 women experiences gender-based violence (GBV) in her lifetime.
👧 Thousands of girls face early and forced marriage, especially in rural and conflict-hit communities.
🔒 Survivors often lack access to safe reporting channels, legal protection, or psychosocial support.
These challenges are compounded by poverty, insecurity, weak institutions, and harmful cultural norms — putting already vulnerable people at even greater risk.
Our Response: Protection with Purpose
WEI adopts a holistic, survivor-centered, and community-driven approach to protection. Our goal is not only to respond to violence and abuse but to prevent it before it happens — by raising awareness, strengthening community systems, and promoting justice.
What We’re Doing
👩🦰 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Support
We empower women and girls to speak out, access help, and reclaim their lives.
Awareness campaigns on GBV and women’s rights
Safe referrals for survivors to health, legal, and counseling services
Men and boys engagement to change harmful attitudes and norms
Trauma-informed care and psychosocial support
🧒 Child Protection Programs
Children — especially orphans and displaced youth — are highly vulnerable. We work to protect them from violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Family tracing and reintegration for separated children
Birth registration and legal identity advocacy
Protection in schools, camps, and community centers
School reintegration and mentorship for at-risk youth
🛡️ Community-Based Protection Networks
We train and support local leaders, youth, and women to become protection champions in their communities.
✅ 150+ community leaders trained in psychosocial support and protection
Formation of community protection committees to detect and respond to threats
Culturally sensitive conflict resolution and case referral systems
📣 Advocacy and Systems Strengthening
We work with governments, traditional leaders, and civil society to strengthen the laws, policies, and systems that uphold protection rights.
Support for the implementation of the Child Rights Act and VAPP law
Policy engagement to improve access to justice for survivors
Building accountability at local and state levels
Our Approach
✅ Survivor-centered – Prioritizing safety, dignity, and consent in every case
🧩 Integrated – Protection is part of everything we do: health, education, economic empowerment
👥 Community-led – Working with the people closest to the risks to lead the change
🕊️ Preventive – Addressing root causes and raising awareness to stop abuse before it begins
Impact So Far
💬 150+ leaders and volunteers trained to offer psychosocial support
👧 Hundreds of women and children supported with confidential case management and referrals
🛡️ Active protection networks established in high-risk communities
📢 Increased community awareness of GBV, child protection, and human rights
Want to be a part of what we do?
