Centre for Gender Equity and Community Safety began in 2023 as a small network of volunteers providing support to survivors of sexual violence. Our belief was simple: when women, girls and marginalised groups are safe, communities are more inclusive and better able to thrive.

As our work expanded under Safe Futures Initiative, we identified a critical gap between policy and practice. Many organisations focused either on policy development and advocacy or on community mobilisation and engagement. Too often, these efforts operated in isolation from one another.

We believe meaningful and lasting change happens when communities are actively involved in shaping the policies that affect their lives. Those most affected by social issues should have a voice at every stage, from identifying problems and developing solutions to implementation, monitoring and accountability.

This belief continues to shape our approach. We work to bridge the gap between communities and decision-makers by combining research, advocacy, public education, and community-led action to advance gender equity and strengthen community safety.

In 2026, Safe Futures Initiative was formally incorporated as the Centre for Gender Equity and Community Safety, marking a new chapter in our commitment to building safer, more equitable and more resilient communities across Nigeria.

We have reached over 20,000 people with our community engagement activities.