LGBTQIA+ Equality Nigeria Project #66895

Improve the lives of marginalized communities

by The Initiative for Equal Rights

Summary

The Initiative for Equal Rights is a Nigeria-based, registered not-for-profit organisation committed to creating a society free from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and affiliation. Since 2005, we have worked to uphold and promote the rights of all marginalized communities in Nigeria and broader West Africa, through intersectional advocacy, strategic litigation and the provision of safe platforms for community dialogue concerning LGBTQIA+-related issues

$100,000
total goal

$98,612
remaining

14
donors

3
monthly donors

1
year

Challenge

Due to the prevailing discriminatory laws and societal stigma in Nigeria, our research shows that over 700 individuals from marginalized groups face violations annually based on real or perceived differences in identity, expression, or characteristics. These violations include mass unlawful arrests, extortion, denial of employment opportunities, housing, and medical services, sexual assault, exclusion from social and religious spaces, and even murder.

Solution

Through the activities of TIERS, sexual minorities are ensured access to justice through legal representation for victims of human rights violations. Funding will also go into maintaining the provision of non-discriminatory healthcare services and mental health support to combat trauma. We will be able to support persons who have been made homeless and jobless by providing them with skills and emergency funds that will help them stabilize their lives and get them back on their feet.

Long-Term Impact

TIERs is committed to fostering cross-movement coalitions and empowering organizations in Nigeria to advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities using feminist principles. By engaging stakeholders beyond organizations, TIERs aims to build a discrimination-free society. Leveraging 19 years of resources, we work with legislative bodies to repeal discriminatory laws and promote inclusive policies that support the human rights of all persons.