A Kano-based non-governmental organization (NGO), Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality (WISE), is working to create a more inclusive space for lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals (LBQTI) despite the state’s strong religious and cultural background.
WISE, formerly known as Women Action for Gender Equality (WAGE), is a gender feminist organization led by young women and focused on lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ+) individuals.
Their mission is to empower the LBQTI community through advocacy, leadership training, and fostering dialogue with stakeholders.
The organization highlights the challenges faced by the LBQTI community in Nigeria and aims to represent them through dialogue and engagement with government bodies, human rights institutions, stakeholders, and policymakers to foster acceptance and inclusivity.
Under this system, a lesbian or bisexual woman may face caning or stoning to death for engaging in same-sex consensual relationships.
According to the organization, “WISE is aware of the security risks and challenges that LGBTQ community face, but we are determined to provide leadership for the community and empower them to take up leadership roles through the various programs we implement.”
Their methods include education, documenting the experiences of LBQTI Nigerians, and building networks to push for policy changes.
“Our work includes Social Workers Trainings, Paralegal Trainings, Young LBQ Women Empowerment Programs, Community Outreaches and Advocacy, and Research on Needs Assessment of LBQ Women and Trans People in West Africa and Nigeria (a collaborative work).”
Net Gazette learned that WISE was founded in 2014 and has served over 1,500 LBQTI beneficiaries through partnerships with other NGOs, government bodies, and allies.
WISE’s efforts to create a safe space and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Kano State, a region known for its religious conservatism, demonstrate the growing movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Nigeria.
Net Gazette has learned that WISE is led by Mrs. Nnedinma Ulanmo Anochimonye, a human rights activist and lawyer. The organization’s office is located at Plot 239, Jigirya Yankaba Kawaji, Bompai GRA, Kano State.
