Baobab Unveils 6th Cohort of Sexual Violence Response, Leadership Academy to Empower Young Nigerian Women

By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman

Baobab for Women’s Human Rights has unveiled the 6th cohort of its Sexual Violence Response and Leadership Academy (SVRLA), themed “The Next Gen Nexus.”

The transformative eight-week virtual institute, which runs from October 6 to November 30, 2025, is designed to empower young female undergraduates with feminist leadership and advocacy skills to curb sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

The program, organised with funding support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), aims to strengthen young women’s voices in responding to sexual violence through mentorship, solidarity, and practical advocacy training.

Speaking at the virtual unveiling, Anne Lawal, Programme Director at Baobab, welcomed the new cohorts and emphasised the importance of experiential learning in feminist leadership.

“At Baobab, we believe in learning by doing. Every lesson must translate into action — that’s how we build leaders who can truly make a difference,” Lawal said.

She explained that The Next Gen Nexus is structured around three progressive modules — Understanding Sexual Violence, Transformative Leadership, and Action and Advocacy, designed to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on project implementation.

According to Baobab, the SVRLA Institute has so far trained over 200 beneficiaries, equipping them with confidence, leadership skills, and advocacy capacity. Many alumnae have since initiated campus campaigns and peer-support initiatives to tackle gender-based violence in their communities.

Anne Lawal added that the sixth cohort is expected to deepen their understanding of feminist analysis, lead practical advocacy mini-projects, and build a strong alumni network that sustains the movement for safer campuses and communities.

The newly selected Cohort 6 participants includes: Hannah Ezelaoma, Haleeyat Adedoja Adetayo, Falana Adeola Moyosore, Faith Ogunyemi Oluwabunmi, Princess Okoli Chiamaka, Enifome Obodogwu Pauline, Faith Fakunle Adebisi, Okoh Ugonna Nancy, Maryam Lawal, Oluchi Olivia Okoh, Victoria Adeyemi Inioluwa, Daniella Emordi Shekinah, Divine-Mercy Abioye Olaitan, Joshua Mariam Olamide, Temidayo Olonade Fiyinfoluwa, Fatihat Titilope Bankole, Modupeolaoluwa Abiodun, Odedele Abigael Iyanuoluwa, Eniola Ayansola Abimbola, Gloria Yakubu Omoyeme, Agboola Grace Happiness, Anigilaje Kanyinsola Suliat, Adeola Gbadamosi, Faith Kolawole Erioluwa, Damilola Afolabi Ololade, Jesumilanafunmi Kalejaiye Elizabeth, Ayomide Farinde Abidemi, Inioluwa Bankole Faith, Elizabeth Omojowo Ayomide, Oluwaferanmi Balogun, Aliyah Bolasere Okikiola, Olatunji Eunice Dolapo, Rita Okoh, Priscilla Ayankoso Boluwatife, Joy Oludele Tolulola, Comfort Adeoye Olajumoke, Oluwadarasimi Adegbayi Esther, Eniola Thomas Mary, Precious Akintola Omotola, Gloria Ajibola Ogunniran, Precious Boluwatife Alli, Motunrayo Anaun, Rhoda Sebastine, Anire Faith, Queen Joseph, Opeyemi Olanipekan, Idowu Moyinfoluwa, Gloria Odewale, Victoria Ojiangbe Ehinomen, and Cynthia Olanegan Itunu.

Baobab’s Executive Director, Mrs. Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami, described the academy as a cornerstone of the organisation’s commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership.

“We are investing in a generation of young women who will not only advocate for change but embody it. They are the bridge between learning, leadership, and lasting transformation in their communities,” she said.

Building the Next Generation of Advocates

The SVRLA Institute: The Next Gen Nexus is a transformative 8-week virtual program developed by Baobab for Women’s Human Rights (BAOBAB) as a pivotal and sustained intervention to nurture young women’s leadership and advocacy against sexual violence.

It serves as a central hub where leadership and advocacy intersect, enabling participants to become strategic thinkers, compelling communicators, and compassionate advocates.

The initiative aligns with Baobab’s vision of a society where the rights of women and girls are an integral part of daily life, a belief that lasting change begins within communities and is driven by informed, passionate individuals.

The program is built on the philosophy of “Learning + Doing,” ensuring that theoretical knowledge is immediately put into practice. Its curriculum is structured around three modules, Understanding Sexual Violence, Transformative Leadership, and Action and Advocacy — blending learning with project-based engagement.

Through this model, participants are expected to develop practical advocacy initiatives, adopt feminist leadership principles, and join a vibrant alumni network that continues to champion gender justice.