Blog

The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) is thrilled to announce the winner of our “Speak Up and Act: A Community Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence” challenge, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. After receiving several incredible entries and an intense social media tie-breaker, Khaleela Ndidi emerged as the winner!

Khaleela’s Campaign: A Voice for the Voiceless

Khaleela, a passionate advocate for social change, stood out with her two-day sensitisation outreach in Rivers State. Using creatively designed posters, she engaged her community to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Her efforts didn’t just inform—they sparked meaningful conversations and inspired action. Through bold messages like “Stop Violence Against Women” and “Treat GBV as a Crime, Not a Culture,” Khaleela’s campaign resonated deeply with the people she reached.

Reflecting on her journey, Khaleela shared:
“The experience I had while taking part in this challenge was a balanced mix of bliss and dead ends, in what sense? While a lot of people I approached were welcoming and cooperative, a few were not open to the idea of being recorded, and some had opposite views. But regardless, I was able to face the whole thing with a healthy dose of confidence and excitement.”

Her determination and creativity made a significant impact, and her ability to adapt to challenges showcased the strength of her advocacy.

The Social Media Tie-Breaker

Khaleela was one of four exceptional finalists whose campaigns stood out for their creativity, impact, and engagement. She tied with Akinola Shukurat, Lysa Ojoka, and Oghogho Osariemen, all of whom delivered inspiring campaigns:

• Akinola Shukurat empowered children in Isolo, Lagos, by teaching them about GBV and how to seek help.
• Lysa Ojoka, in Benin City, used videos and posters to educate her community about GBV and encourage action.
• Oghogho Osariemen leveraged social media to raise awareness and drive online dialogue on GBV in Lagos State.

To determine the winner, GAF allowed social media engagement across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (now X) to decide. It was a tight contest, but Khaleela’s campaign garnered the highest total engagements, crowning her the champion.

A Well-Deserved Prize

As the winner of the “Speak Up and Act” challenge, Khaleela received the N50,000 grand prize, a Certificate of Achievement, and the recognition as a Young Advocate for Change. But for her, the victory meant so much more than the accolades.

“I am totally elated after finding out that I’ve been selected as the winner of the 2024 GBV campaign. Aside from the prize money, women’s rights is something I’m very passionate about, and it gives me great joy that my commitment has been acknowledged by such a reputable platform,” Khaleela said.
“This is basically the encouragement I’ve been needing to take my activism to a more public level, and for that, I am grateful.”

Looking to the Future

Khaleela’s win has not only affirmed her advocacy efforts but also inspired her to dream bigger. She plans to use her prize money to invest in equipment to kickstart a podcast or blog focusing on women’s rights.

“Basically, we’re in a digital age, and more impact is created via social media these days. I plan to use my prize money to get equipment to aid the kickstart of my podcast/blog that’ll be dealing with women’s rights,” she explained.

Her participation in the challenge has also strengthened her resolve to continue volunteering and engaging in activities that promote the rights of women and children.

“I know that I’ll become more vocal about my beliefs, and I aim to sensitise more people as time goes by,” Khaleela shared with determination.

Celebrating All Participants

While Khaleela emerged as the winner, GAF applauds the efforts of all participants. Each campaign amplified the message of the 16 Days of Activism and demonstrated the power of grassroots and digital advocacy in addressing GBV.

Join Us in the Fight Against GBV

Khaleela’s story reminds us that change starts with one voice, one action, and one determined individual. GAF remains committed to empowering young advocates and creating platforms for their voices to be heard.

Congratulations to Khaleela Ndidi, our champion for change! And a big thank you to all participants, supporters, and community members who joined us in this campaign. Together, we can make a difference.

Glory, a young widow living in Ighekpe Community, Benin-City, has faced profound challenges since the death of her husband. With three children to care for, including one with special needs, her daily life is a constant battle against poverty and uncertainty. Before receiving support from the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF), Glory struggled to maintain her small-scale cooked food business, which was her primary source of income.

The Struggles of Daily Life

Following her husband’s passing, Glory found it increasingly difficult to manage her household and sustain her business. The meager earnings from her food sales barely covered the basic needs of her family, leaving little room for purchasing essential ingredients. Many days, she had to make tough decisions, often prioritizing her children’s immediate needs over her business.

Glory’s challenges were compounded by the lack of financial resources. Without sufficient capital to restock her shop, she was unable to offer a diverse menu, which meant losing customers to competitors who could provide a wider range of meals. This cycle of underperformance deepened her financial woes, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Identifying the Need for Support

Recognizing Glory’s plight, GAF organized a needs assessment in the Ighekpe Community. During interviews, it became clear that Glory lacked the essential supplies necessary to run her business effectively. She expressed her desire to improve her situation but felt trapped by her circumstances. The stress of managing her household and business with insufficient resources took a toll on her health and well-being.

A Turning Point

On October 16, 2024, during a visit to commemorate World Food Day, GAF intervened by providing Glory with essential food stocks to revitalize her business. The support included a 10kg bag of rice, 5 liters of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, a carton of tomato paste, and 2 rubbers of white beans. This timely assistance not only replenished her supplies but also renewed her hope and motivation.

Glory expressed profound gratitude for the support she received from GAF, noting how it would significantly alleviate her daily struggles. She now has the means to expand her menu and attract more customers, providing her children with better food security and a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

With the help of GAF, Glory is optimistic about her business’s potential. She has started to plan for the future, envisioning a thriving food enterprise that can support her family and contribute to her community. The intervention by GAF was not just a momentary aid; it marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Glory and her family.

Glory Iboi’s story is a testament to the impact that targeted support can have on individuals facing adversity. With continued support and empowerment, GAF is committed to helping women like Glory achieve stability and success in their lives.