Rise Up Together, a global non-governmental organization advancing gender equity and justice, is set to launch a transformative initiative in Nigeria.
Nigeria Country Director, Ms. Theresa Effa, announced the programme on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that it is supported by Cummins Inc., a multinational power solutions company committed to equity and social impact.
The 2025 Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator will empower 25 civil society leaders from the Federal Capital Territory, Rivers, Anambra, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states. Participants, described as emerging change makers, will undergo an intensive training programme from November 16 to 22.
“The Accelerator will equip leaders with strategies and resources to strengthen health, education, and economic opportunities through improved laws, policies, and programmes,” Effa said. She added that participants would receive training in leadership, advocacy, policy change, and movement building.
“Rise Up Together invests in local leaders’ vision and amplifies their voices, equipping them to create systemic change,” she added, highlighting the success of alumni such as Nsini Udonta. Udonta, who joined the programme in 2018, used her training and funding to expand Project Alert’s work on violence against women, protecting more than 4.5 million women and girls.
Since its founding in 2009, Rise Up Together has built a global network of over 800 leaders across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States. The organization has also contributed to 218 improved laws and policies, benefiting more than 172 million people worldwide.
Reflecting on her motivation, Udonta said she joined Rise Up to drive policy changes that strengthen women’s rights.
Dr. Nawani Aboki, Executive Director of the Centre for Women, Youth and Community Action and a facilitator of the 2025 Accelerator, said the programme aims to build leaders’ capacity to influence policy and expand community access to essential services.
“The energy, creativity, and dedication of Nigerian leaders is inspiring. They are poised to lead change that will be felt for generations,” Aboki said. “Through the Accelerator, we will strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills so they can influence policy, expand education and healthcare access, and create economic opportunities that uplift communities.”
