Initiative advances sexual violence reporting among 2,500 school girls

HER Dream Initiative (HDI) is breaking down barriers in a bold effort to address one of Nigeria’s most urgent human rights challenges by teaching young girls how to report sexual violence and working to eradicate rape culture across the state.

Supported by The Pollination Project, this rapidly growing initiative has reached over 2,500 beneficiaries, equipping students in government secondary schools—particularly in Northern Nigeria—with the tools to prevent abuse, report violence, and stand against harmful practices that silence survivors.

Heritage Sanmi-Lawal, Founder and Executive Director of HDI, said that by equipping young people with the confidence to speak up, their civic space is being protected, and they are driving systemic change.

She added: “The Sexual Violence Survivor Guide is more than an educational tool; it is a catalyst for survivor empowerment, civic engagement, and legal action. With additional support, we are confident that we can scale this initiative, reach more young girls, and drive systemic change in the fight against sexual violence.”

HDI began its journey with pilot programmes in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, where facilitators identified a significant gap in awareness about sexual violence. This led to the creation of the Sexual Violence Survivor Guide, a resource designed not only to inform students but also to empower them to take action.

Now, the programme is expanding into 15 government schools across 10 states in Northern Nigeria, addressing both prevention and response efforts in 2025. The region faces some of the country’s harshest challenges: widespread child marriage, low literacy rates, and deeply rooted discriminatory practices. Her Voice aims to overcome these obstacles through knowledge, resilience, and collective action.

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Due to the sensitive nature of this project, a support network for survivors of sexual violence was launched simultaneously to provide a channel for healing, counseling, and support, which the organization would offer.

Her Dream Initiative has trained and experienced pro bono facilitators who fully support survivors willing to share their stories. Furthermore, the initiative has direct access to trained pro bono lawyers who can handle rape cases at no cost for survivors who choose to report their cases and seek justice.