EMPOWERING YOUNG FEMALE LEADERS WITHIN SHRINKING CIVIC SPACE.

Virgin Heart Foundation, in collaboration with Spaces for Change under the Action Group on Civic Space Project, convened a landmark conference aimed at strengthening civic space through the organization and training of over 200 female students drawn from tertiary institutions across Imo State.

The conference — the first of its kind in the state — served as an eye-opener for young people, inspiring them to actively participate in civic life and work towards reclaiming the space from both state and non-state actors who undermine human rights and justice.

A panel discussion explored the prevailing climate in which many citizens feel intimidated or discouraged from speaking out against actors who negatively influence the civic space. Panelists were drawn from diverse sectors, including Civil Society Organizations, young female student leaders, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Federation of Female Lawyers, and political stakeholders.

As part of the engagement, the students completed questionnaires assessing their perspectives on national security and the current state of the civic space in Imo State and the wider South East region.

Spaces for Change Secretariat, Lagos State addresses the issue of using security to shut people down from peaceful demonstration, protest or even to organize against certain anti-people policies.