Heinrich Boell Foundation Abuja

RETHINKING THE NORTHERN NIGERIA NARRATIVE The Flame Tree Writers' Project launches today in Abuja, igniting creativity among emerging Northern Nigerian writers. This 5-day intensive workshop aims to cultivate fresh literary voices and champion diversity in storytelling. Guided by NLNG Nigeria Prize winners Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Chika Unigwe, participants will craft narratives that explore current social realities and envision a more equitable future for Northern Nigeria. Through expert mentorship and collaborative learning, these writers will hone their skills to produce compelling stories advocating democracy, peace, and social justice. We eagerly anticipate the powerful narratives and unique perspectives that will bloom from this transformative initiative, shaping the landscape of Nigerian literature.

How We Are Empowering Women in Agriculture and Business This Tuesday, we supported the facilitation of a transformative Solution Lab, bringing together an incredible group of women farmers, processors, traders, and renewable energy innovators. The objective was to address the unique challenges faced by women in accessing affordable renewable energy to power their businesses. The one-day event facilitated knowledge sharing on clean energy potentials and exposed participants to innovative renewable energy technologies. Importantly, it provided a platform to brainstorm accessible finance models tailored for women to afford renewable energy systems that cater to their business energy needs. Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges, and priorities regarding affordable clean energy access. Through breakout sessions, they evaluated existing finance models and proposed adjustments to ensure they meet the unique needs of women in agriculture and other trades. As we wrapped up, we reflected on our collective commitments, summarized key insights, and set clear action points for continued collaboration. This paves the way for sustainable and inclusive models that address the specific challenges faced by small businesses run by women and small-scale women farmers in adopting clean energy solutions. The event underscored the importance of a collaborative approach involving stakeholders across sectors to develop tailored solutions that empower women entrepreneurs and farmers. By leveraging renewable energy technologies and innovative financing models, we can drive sustainable growth and create a more equitable playing field. We are inspired by the passion and determination of the participants and the facilitators of this workshop. Special thanks to Habiba Ali, SOSAI Renewable Energies Company, Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (formerly NAWORG), The Skilled Women Initiative (TSWINI), Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Weyinmi (Wey) Eribo, Safiya Aliyu, Blessing Ifemenam PMD pro, ActionAid Nigeria We look forward to building on the momentum generated during this Solution Lab in informing policies and the development of future financing models for renewable energy. Together, we can create a future where women in agriculture and renewable energy thrive.

Anulika Nwokedi, also known as Willy Willy, provides a critical analysis (in Pidgin English) of how certain Nigerian laws are inherently patriarchal and disadvantageous to women. This video is part of a series of campaign videos advocating for gender equality and justice within the legal system, calling for reforms to Nigeria's legal framework to make it more inclusive and gender-sensitive. https://lnkd.in/g9tXi3iC

Click here for more information on how to apply - https://lnkd.in/dmqKe9r3

This policy paper, prepared by the offices Heinrich Böll Foundation in Abuja, Berlin, Cape Town, and Nairobi ahead of the African Union Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi, takes a closer look at the role of synthetic fertilizers in African food systems. Read the full paper here - https://lnkd.in/dCXy-f8B

Just in case you have not seen our video on the Patriarchal nature of Nigerian laws. In this video, Dorothy (Dory) NJEMANZE meticulously examines specific legal clauses that have disproportionately disadvantaged women, advocating for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian legislation with greater gender sensitivity. Click here to watch the video and gain valuable insights into this crucial discourse. https://lnkd.in/d3a2hN74

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE: https://lnkd.in/d3a2hN74 In this video, Dorothy (Dory) NJEMANZE, a Gender Rights Activist, delves into the concerning gender biases ingrained within Nigeria's legal system, exploring how specific provisions undermine women's rights and perpetuate inequality. It sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms to uphold gender justice and protect the fundamental rights of women in Nigeria.

Watch the full video here - https://lnkd.in/dBf4VZSn Did you know? Nigerian traditional customs often disadvantage women based solely on marital status, hindering them from political participation and community development. This Bill could change everything!

Watch the full video explaining the Five Gender Bills here - https://lnkd.in/dBf4VZSn. A 35% quota would rapidly increase the number of women heading ministries, departments, agencies and commissions. This would ensure women's perspectives are properly represented when formulating policies.

Did you know that women occupy only 4.4% of seats in the National Assembly and a mere 3.0% in State Legislature? 📉 in a country where half of the population are women. This Bill would have not only increased female presence in the parliament, it would have also guaranteed that women’s perspectives would be properly considered in governance and development decisions. 💪🏽✨ #WomenInPolitics #EqualityNow. Watch the full video here - https://lnkd.in/dBf4VZSn