A few words
About Us
History
Our story starts way back as 2011,
- Women's health
- social support
- advocacy on policy and law reforms
- empowerment
Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative is a not for profit, LB (lesbian and bisexual) led organization, focused on promoting the rights and well-being of lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women in Nigeria by addressing the psychosocial effect of the dual discrimination faced by LBQ women and their under-representation in Nigeria. WHER aims at promoting a deeper conceptual knowledge of sexuality and sexual orientation, providing access to health and other support services to LBQ women through research, advocacy, education, empowerment and other direct services. Since inception in 2011, WHER has been addressing the issues faced by women which include gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive rights abuses.
Vision
WHER Initiative envisions a Nigerian society free from all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
Mission
WHER initiative provides a platform for the promotion of a healthy well-being of sexual and gender diversity women, and the protection of our human rights through advocacy, education, empowerment, psychosocial and research.
Aim & Objective
Provide support and empowerment of sexual and gender diversity women in their quest for self-realization. Work on accomplishing social visibility, or coming out of anonymity and isolation for the purpose of sensitizing the society and reducing homo/bi/trans-phobia.
Achievements
- Conducted a community needs assessment and survey of the sexual and mental health of lesbian and bisexual women in Nigeria.
- Conducted a cencus of sexual minority women in Abuja, Nigeria. (in collaboration with Queer African Youth Networking Center - QAYN).
- Participate in advocacy activities against homophobic laws in Nigeria as a member of the Coalition for the Defence of Sexual Rights in Nigeria.
- Provide online social support and education services to 80 Nigerian lesbian and bisexual women.