What happens when you bring together passionate local organisations, equip them with the right tools, and empower them to lead their own advocacy? Magic. That’s exactly what Education as a Vaccine (EVA) has witnessed as the host organisation for the We Lead project in Nigeria.
Since January 2022, EVA has been at the forefront of a transformative movement, guiding and supporting Communities of Action (CoAs), a collective of rights-holder organisations championing the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH-R) of young women living with HIV, women with disabilities,women with other vulnerabilities, and displaced women. The journey has been nothing short of eye-opening, rewarding, and filled with powerful lessons on what it truly takes to build resilient local organisations.
One of the biggest takeaways? Capacity strengthening isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game-changer. Through tailored training programs, EVA helped these organisations refine their advocacy strategies, enhance their management skills, and strengthen their operational structures. The result? More confident, self-reliant organisations that can secure funding, influence policies, and create lasting impact in their communities.
But here’s the thing, growth doesn’t happen in isolation. EVA quickly realised the power of partnerships in amplifying impact. Collaborating with regional and global players like FEMNET, HIVOS, Restless Development, and Positive Vibes brought additional expertise and widened the reach of advocacy efforts. Through shared learning spaces, organisations exchanged strategies, fine-tuned their approaches, and gained the confidence to engage with policymakers effectively.
Beyond the technical skills, this journey reaffirmed an important truth: knowledge is power, but access to the right spaces is just as crucial. By opening doors to decision-making platforms, EVA ensured that these organisations didn’t just have a voice, they had a seat at the table. And once they got there, they owned the space, challenging outdated policies and pushing for reforms that prioritize the needs of marginalized young women.
Looking back, the lessons are clear:
- Tailored training matters: One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. When organisations receive targeted capacity-building support that meets their unique needs, they thrive.
- Partnerships amplify impact: When organisations collaborate rather than compete, they achieve greater advocacy wins and stronger networks.
- Empowered organisations create lasting change: When local organisations are equipped with the right skills and resources, they don’t just participate in advocacy – they lead it.
As EVA continues to support these organisations, one thing remains certain: sustainable change isn’t about stepping in to take over. It’s about stepping back and ensuring local organisations have everything they need to drive the change themselves. And from what we’ve seen so far, they’re more than ready.
The future of advocacy in Nigeria is bright, and it’s in the hands of those who have always had the passion and resilience to fight for it. EVA is just here to make sure they have the tools to win.