Our work in Niger

We work to promote social and economic equality in Niger by supporting the rights of women, girls, and young people, ensuring they have equal access to resources and a voice in decision-making within their municipalities and communities.

In Niger, the population is under pressure on multiple fronts. The country is weakened by conflict, climate change, inadequate justice systems and lack of access to education and health, especially for women, girls, refugees, and internally displaced people.

At the same time, it is difficult for young men and women to get a job so they can build a future for themselves and become active citizens who can fight for their rights.

Fights for women’s rights

That’s why we work to ensure quality education for girls, women, and youth in line with national education policies and SDGs 4, 5 and 16. We do this together with our partners by strengthening the control of public funding for the education sector through the involvement of citizens themselves.

In addition, we support young women and men to get the technical and vocational training that will enable them to get a job and create a better future for themselves.

This will empower local communities to create change, take leadership and engage in peacebuilding and conflict mediation through dialogue and reconciliation in the management of the country’s natural resources.

In addition, we support with humanitarian efforts during food crises, distributing cash and food to vulnerable families and children, as well as raising awareness on malnutrition prevention.

Education is key

Kadiatou fights for women’s rights and against traditions that limit their emancipation. According to her, education is the key against the violence that the country suffers. For this reason, she conducts awareness-raising activities in rural areas, using participatory theatre in particular.

Girls’ and women’s education is essential to ensuring they have equal opportunities to create the lives they want. It is the key to becoming active citizens and influencing decisions that shape their daily lives and future. Education also paves the way for girls and women to gain the skills needed to secure employment.

This requires an education system that delivers quality learning, promotes gender equality, and supports students in completing their schooling. Quality education is only possible with skilled and motivated teachers who actively engage parents in supporting their children’s education and challenging gender-discriminatory norms both at home and in the community.

Educating a girl is educating the whole community! As a child I saw women suffer in silence, but I did not accept to keep quiet. My family saw me as a rebel. It was very hard, especially with my parents. I was ready to make all kinds of sacrifices, but by dint of perseverance, they finally accepted. Now they are proud of me.

Kadiatou
A young student and activist from Niger.