A youth-led revolution to transform Nigeria’s marginalised communities

For Grace Boniface and many other girls in Dukpa, a close-knit community on the outskirts of Abuja, the 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day was more than just an event—it was a transformative moment. For the first time, she and her peers were given the knowledge and tools to better manage their menstrual health. “We were taught how to keep our bodies clean during our menstrual cycle,” Grace recalls, visibly grateful for the empowerment she gained.

Her story mirrors that of Faith Ayuba, another beneficiary. “We were all given sanitary pads,” she remembers, her voice filled with relief. This simple yet life-changing gesture came from a youth-focused initiative led by Activista Nigeria, a global network dedicated to uplifting marginalised communities.

Building a Movement

Activista is part of ActionAid International, a global youth movement that spans over 25 countries, dedicated to the vision of a world without poverty and injustice. Founded in 2007, Activista Nigeria has been at the forefront of grassroots mobilisation, establishing cells in various communities to amplify the voices of those often left unheard. One such cell is located in Gwagwalada, a suburban area of the Federal Capital Territory.

“We believe the ‘cell’ is most vital because of its proximity to the grassroots,” says Mr. Adewale Olasupo, coordinator for Activista Gwagwalada. “Our goal is to create change by addressing the challenges we see in our society, especially within vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.” The Gwagwalada cell began on the University of Abuja’s campus, but it has since expanded to the wider community, staying true to Activista’s mission of youth inclusion and social justice.

Community Engagement

Activista Nigeria doesn’t just focus on awareness—it creates platforms for young people to actively engage in their own development. “Activista is a space where youths from different backgrounds come together to share knowledge and experiences,” says Olasupo. “We empower them to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.”

This is more than just rhetoric. Last year, the group collaborated with the University of Abuja’s literary society to raise awareness on issues like HIV/AIDS and sexual abuse. According to Abosede Mamidu, a participant in one of their programmes, the sessions were a refreshing change from the usual classroom lectures. “They used interactive sessions and games to teach us,” she says. “It was more engaging, and we actually understood the issues better.”

One of the most significant projects undertaken by the Gwagwalada cell involved an outreach to the Dukpa community, where they provided education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) during the 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day. “We were able to educate rural women, men, and young girls about menstrual hygiene while demystifying the taboos associated with menstruation,” Olasupo explains.

Overcoming Challenges

While Activista Gwagwalada has made remarkable strides, the journey has not been without its challenges. One of their methods of advocacy involves peaceful protests, a tactic that has sometimes led to the arrest of their members. “Some of our members have faced arrest as a result of these activities,” Olasupo says. Additionally, the cell often grapples with high member turnover, as many participants are university students who leave after graduation.

“Once students graduate, we’re left with fewer members,” Olasupo notes. To mitigate this, the group has extended membership to local youths living in Gwagwalada. Other obstacles include language barriers, limited government support, and a lack of adequate financing.

A Global Movement for Justice

Activista’s parent organisation, ActionAid, was formed in the UK in 1972 and grew into a global presence by the 1990s. With a strong human-rights-based approach, ActionAid empowers communities to claim their rights and demand justice. Through cells like Activista Gwagwalada, this mission is being carried forward in Nigeria, where economic disparities and social inequality remain significant hurdles.

Activista Nigeria is part of a broader effort to foster hope, resilience, and empowerment within communities. As the country faces its complex developmental challenges, Activista’s work serves as a reminder that sustainable change is possible when citizens are empowered to demand it.

A Youth-Led Future

Across Nigeria, more than 500 youth-centered NGOs are working to uplift young people, with over 10 million youths reached through various initiatives. These organisations focus on critical issues such as education, health, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Among them, Activista Nigeria stands out for its grassroots approach and youth-led activism. To date, more than 10,000 young Nigerians have benefitted from its programmes, with many more expected to follow.

As the challenges of inequality, poverty, and social injustice persist, Activista’s efforts provide a glimpse of what is possible when young people are given the tools to shape their own futures. In the years to come, the hope is that more youth-run organisations will rise, creating the ripple effect of change that Nigeria—and indeed the world—needs.