Dorothy Njemanze Foundation

Dorothy Njemanze Foundation Creating a better society by fighting sexual and gender based violence, promoting social values and ethics in defense of our shared humanity

We provide round the clock support to victims/survivors of sexual and gender based violence including medical support, counseling, legal advice, short-term shelter; influence attitudinal change with media advocacy, and amplify the need for deliberate and improved welfare for first responders. Everyone is a potential partner. https://dnf.org.ng/donate-now/

21/08/2026

In Imo State, the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) convened a participatory assessment workshop that brought together key stakeholders to examine the realities shaping women’s lives across selected communities.

Participants shared experiences and identified pressing challenges affecting women’s economic well-being, political participation, access to healthcare and education, security, and opportunities for development. The discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that women are not merely beneficiaries of policies and programmes, but active contributors to the decisions that shape their communities.

A key focus of the workshop was the need for stronger representation of women across sectors and at decision-making levels, particularly as the state looks towards future development planning and elections. The insights gathered will contribute to a framework rooted in the realities and priorities of women in Imo State, providing a basis for more responsive policies, programmes and political commitments.

The workshop brought together perspectives from communities, government institutions, civil society and other stakeholders-reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building a more inclusive development process.

When women have the opportunity to speak, participate and influence decisions, communities are better positioned to build solutions that reflect the realities of everyone.


From Chibok girls capture, Jos massacre, Oyo state kidnapping, to various forms of Boko Haram insurgencies and banditry,...
21/08/2026

From Chibok girls capture, Jos massacre, Oyo state kidnapping, to various forms of Boko Haram insurgencies and banditry, civilians have been killed, abducted, displaced, injured, and separated from their families and communities.

Beyond immediate physical harm, acts of terrorism violate fundamental rights, scar citizens, leave communities traumatised, and create wounds that can remain long after the violence has ended.

To curb these, we call for protection through institutional justice, strong counter-terrorism measures, and psychological support that addresses the trauma. In a safe society, no one would have to fear losing their life, home, or loved ones to violence.

20/08/2026

The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) held a One-Day Technical Policy Blueprint Co-Development Workshop in Imo State which was funded by Heinrich Boell Foundation Abuja, bringing together government representatives, civil society organisations, community stakeholders and other key actors to translate citizens’ priorities into practical policy strategies.

Held on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in Owerri, the workshop built on findings from community needs assessments and the validated Charter of Demands developed through consultations across the state’s three senatorial zones.

Participants examined key issues affecting women and vulnerable groups, including access to healthcare, economic opportunities, land, agriculture and women’s participation in politics. They then worked in groups to develop practical, sector-specific strategies that can inform a proposed three-year Imo State Strategic Blueprint.

We are especially grateful to Hon. Modestus Osakwe, Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs (MHSVA), Imo State, and Hon. Chinenyenwa Owuamalam, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Sustainable Development Goals, for their presence and engagement at the workshop.

Their participation and willingness to engage with this process encourages us and reinforces the importance of collaboration between government, civil society and communities in advancing inclusive and gender-responsive development.

At DNF, we believe women and communities should not only benefit from policies—they should have a voice in shaping them.

The work continues.


History is made by women who dare to step into spaces where few have gone before, and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, ...
20/08/2026

History is made by women who dare to step into spaces where few have gone before, and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has done just that.

Her rise to the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association represents more than a personal milestone. It is a reminder that women’s participation in professional leadership can reshape institutions, influence decision-making, and expand what future generations believe is possible.

For young women pursuing careers in law and beyond, her story is a keen reminder that ambition does not have to fit within the limits of what has been done before you.

As we celebrate women who continue to redefine leadership, may more doors open, more women take their seats at decision-making tables, and more institutions create room for women to thrive.

Because when women lead, they help create new possibilities for those who come after them.

Elections are more than moments on the political calendar; they are opportunities to influence the direction of governan...
19/08/2026

Elections are more than moments on the political calendar; they are opportunities to influence the direction of governance and the kind of society we want to build.

But meaningful participation does not end at the ballot box. It also requires citizens to understand how leadership decisions affect access to opportunities, public services, representation, safety, and the everyday realities of different communities.

For women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other underserved groups, inclusive governance can determine whether their needs are reflected in policies and whether they have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making.

Voting is one way to be an active citizen, but it is not the only way to contribute to better leadership. Beyond making informed choices at the polls, we can deepen our understanding of what inclusive leadership should look like and how it can be strengthened across different sectors.

Download and read our Compendium of Sector-Specific Solutions for Inclusive Leadership in Nigeria to explore practical recommendations for building institutions where diverse voices can participate, lead, and influence decisions.


A humanitarian is a person or organization dedicated to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and protecting human dignit...
19/08/2026

A humanitarian is a person or organization dedicated to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and protecting human dignity.

On World Humanitarian Day, we honor the people who choose to show up for others in moments of crisis, vulnerability, and need.

We recognize the first responders who act when survivors reach out, survivor support staff who walk alongside them, donors who provide the resources that make support possible, and the partners who strengthen the work.

Every intervention matters. A safe space, a listening ear, professional support, and access to services can make a meaningful difference in a survivor’s journey.

With your financial contribution, we can grow our support fund and provide feeding, medical care, and other essential needs to those in need.

Visit our Crowdr profile through the link in our bio to donate today.

Nigeria’s sporting history is filled with women whose achievements have helped shape how the country is seen on the glob...
17/08/2026

Nigeria’s sporting history is filled with women whose achievements have helped shape how the country is seen on the global stage. Yet, success on the field does not always translate into equal visibility, investment, or influence off it.

Supporting women in sports therefore goes beyond celebrating medals. It means investing in training facilities, grassroots programmes, sponsorships, coaching pathways, healthcare, safe sporting environments, and career opportunities that allow girls and women to build sustainable careers in sport.

It also means recognising that representation matters at every level. When women have a seat in coaching, administration, and sports governance, the priorities of female athletes are more likely to be reflected in the systems that shape their careers.

Talent exists across Nigeria. The question is whether we are creating enough opportunities for that talent to thrive. However, we need practical solutions to achieve inclusivity.

Explore our Compendium of Sector-Specific Solutions for Inclusive Leadership in Nigeria for actionable approaches to creating more equitable pathways for women to participate, lead, and thrive sports and other sectors.

Download the compendium and be part of building more inclusive leadership in Nigeria.


07/08/2026

For a young mother, breastfeeding may happen before she has had the chance to discover herself. She is expected to nurture another life while still navigating early adulthood herself.

Mothers living with illnesses or suffering from complications after childbirth, experience double penury from the discomfort that comes with breastfeeding.

Depending on the condition, breastfeeding may be physically painful, emotionally exhausting, and medically unsafe. Yet many continue out of fear of judgment, pressure from family, or the belief that enduring pain is simply part of being a “good mother.”

These realities are made even harder by harmful social expectations. Across many communities, traditions and family beliefs can outweigh medical advice, leaving mothers feeling as though they must choose between protecting their health and meeting cultural expectations. However, support for breastfeeding should never come at the expense of a mother’s wellbeing.

In protecting a mother’s health, families, partners, and communities all have roles to play. Listen when a mother says something is wrong. Respect medical guidance. Create space for women to make informed decisions without guilt, coercion, or shame.

Protecting mothers is not a rejection of culture, but an act of care. Let’s build a culture that supports mothers.

06/08/2026

Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and aftercare demand physical strength, emotional resilience, and courage. Even with these qualities, adult mothers still need help, encouragement, and strong support systems as they adjust to motherhood and face risks such as postpartum depression.

Now, imagine carrying this weight at just 12 years old. An adolescent who should be learning in a classroom, playing with friends, and enjoying childhood is instead expected to feed, soothe, and care for a newborn while her own body is still developing.

For children, adolescents, and teenagers, breastfeeding can be overwhelming, deeply traumatic, and isolating. But beyond the challenges of breastfeeding itself, the greatest tragedy is that they should never have been placed in this position in the first place.

No child should have to trade homework for motherhood. No child should have to bear the responsibility of raising another child.

Let’s build a society where children are protected from child marriage, sexual violence, and every circumstance that robs them of their childhood.

Address

DNF SSC 34 Democracy Crescent Gaduwa Estate
Abuja
900104

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