In a nation where women continually balance survival with self-esteem, and public safety is uncertain—with gender equality still more of an idea than reality—the Sheroes Rising for Development Initiative is subtly igniting a transformation.
ý
At the core of this movement is Hawwah Gambo—a visionary, advocate, and designer of a novel type of dialogue. A discourse bold enough to unite concepts like security, emotional intelligence, and gender inclusivity in one discussion.
ý
Eve does not use trite expressions. Instead, her speech reflects genuine experiences, firm beliefs, and clear intent. “We found a significant lack of coherence and comprehension between the two genders,” she states. “No one seems to be addressing this divide.”
ý
“But we have achieved this through advocacy, research, storytelling, and now, practical skills training.” This vision led to the creation of Sheroes Rising. Unlike typical NGOs merely addressing gender issues, it aims to be a movement reshaping how men and women interact, communicate, and add value to society.
ý
The organization is confronting deeply rooted traditions and redefining what it means to be a woman—or a man—by fostering a society characterized by empathy, resilience, and empowerment.
ý
A Training Ground for Security and Assurance
ý
From April 9-18, 2025, the organization teamed up with Vital Voices Global Fellowship Crisis Response to conduct a ‘Fundamentals of Safety and Self-Defense Training’ in Abuja.
ý
The seven-day boot camp was far from typical. It gathered individuals from various backgrounds and equipped them with skills for self-defense, environmental consciousness, and managing their emotions.
ý
The inspiration for the training stemmed from Hawwah’s personal experience with the ‘Vital Voices Global Leadership Program’, where she witnessed at first hand how women leaders were growing more susceptible—not only politically but also physically.
ý
ýThreats, harassment, and even violence shadow their progress. ‘But it’s not only women who are at risk,’ she says. ‘We realized that most men also lack basic defense and crisis response skills. This is not just about punching or blocking-it’s about emotional maturity, self-worth, and knowing how to de-escalate conflict.’
ý
The training was open to both men and women. As Hawwah put it, “Men and women need to coexist. Facilitating this dialogue benefits everyone.”
ý
ýA Coach’s Creed: You Are Your First Protection
ý
The session was conducted by Coach Bright Lee, a personal protection and crisis response specialist from Bright Lee Bishop Consult. He believes that genuine self-defense starts well before any danger becomes apparent.
ý
ý’You are your greatest asset,’ he tells participants. ‘Before you can serve any organization, family or community-you must protect your own dignity. That begins with understanding your worth.’
ý
Bright’s method strikes a balance between theory and simulation. It merges martial arts with mental acuity. His objective isn’t to create street brawlers but rather self-assured individuals capable of recognizing dangers promptly, maintaining composure under stress, and making prudent decisions.
ý
The greatest battles,” Bright states, “are those you never have to engage in.” He directly challenges social misconceptions: “In patriarchal societies, self-defense is commonly perceived as a male preserve. However, it is essential for all individuals. While women might be considered the primary targets, men can also find themselves unprepared. Being vulnerable does not discriminate based on gender.
ý
ýStep-Down Model: From Participants to Amplifiers
ý
But Sheroes Rising goes beyond hosting events; it aims to build a movement of influencers. This is why the training was structured using a Step-Down Model—a approach that motivates participants to share what they’ve learned with others within their networks.
ý
ý’The essence of knowledge is for it to be shared,’ Hawwah says. ‘If you are learning but not teaching, then what really are you doing? This must be transformative-not just for individuals, but for families, schools, communities.’
ý
The organization is planting seeds that will grow throughout various towns and among different tribes. Each motivated individual contributes to spreading greater consciousness—and ideally leads to waves of safer, more emotionally aware communities. Sheroes Rising isn’t just driven by bravery; it’s grounded in a vision—a world free from discrimination and exclusion, where women won’t have to fight for their right to be safe, and men aren’t weighed down by harmful notions of toughness.
ý
Its aim is to boost women’s voices and drive empowerment for national and social progress. This mission is steadily and intentionally being achieved through research, storytelling, hands-on training, and collaborations with institutions.
ý
Although currently supported through private funding, Sheroes Rising is reaching out to both local and global partners to join them on this path. The positive outcome of their initial self-defense initiative offers just a glimpse into the potential for future achievements.
ý
Plans are being developed to extend reach out efforts towards a greater number of young Nigerians—especially those under 40 years old, who make up more than three-quarters of the country’s population but remain mostly disheartened regarding their contribution to national progress. Hawwah isn’t aiming to transform everything instantly. However, she also refuses to stay idle. “While we might not resolve all of Nigeria’s challenges,” she acknowledges, “we won’t keep quiet nor stand still. Instead, we’ll take action. Life skills, voices, and steps—one at a time.”
ý
In a country balancing precariously between chaos and potential, Sheroes Rising remains steadfast—providing support to those who are most at risk, empowering the courageous, and reassuring every Nigerian that dignity and security are not privileges, but fundamental rights.
ýý
Yzdekery Idakwo Laruba, who works as an Assistant Editor at PR Nigeria and Economic Confidential, can be contacted through this email address: [email protected]
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).