February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day dedicated to amplifying voices, challenging harmful practices, and advocating for the protection of girls worldwide. This year’s theme, Her Voice, Her Future, resonates deeply with me, as it reminds us of the urgency to listen, act, and protect the rights of girls and women everywhere.

Female Genital Mutilation refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Despite global efforts, FGM continues to affect millions of girls worldwide, driven by deep-rooted cultural and societal beliefs.

Looking back, my journey in advocating against FGM started in 2005 when I participated in my high school drama, highlighting the disheartening reality of this practice. Even then, as a young girl, I was struck by the pain and injustice inflicted upon so many. Yet, nearly two decades later, we are still riddled with these harmful practices. The statistics are staggering—more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, and millions more remain at risk each year. (UNICEF, 2024). With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. (UNICEF, 2022).  The World Health Organization estimates that treatment of the health complications of FGM is estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion per year; this clearly shows that there are no health benefits to this practice, only harm.

FGM is not merely a cultural practice; it is a human rights violation with devastating consequences. It is unscientific, uncivilized, utterly callous and barbaric. Girls who undergo this procedure suffer long-term physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. The risks include severe bleeding, infections, complications in childbirth, and even death. Beyond the physical harm, it robs them of autonomy over their bodies and their futures.

In many rural communities, FGM is upheld by deeply ingrained traditions and societal norms. As  I  reflect on the effectiveness of advocacy against FGM in the regions of south-east and south-west where it is prevalent, I’m left to ask, are we genuinely reaching the most vulnerable? Are policies and interventions translating into real change?

The government and organizations have taken steps to combat FGM, yet implementation gaps remain. Laws exist, but enforcement is weak. Awareness campaigns are launched, but cultural resistance persists. For real change to happen, we must move beyond policies on paper and focus on grassroots engagement.

The fight against FGM is not just for activists or policymakers but for all of us. We must empower survivors, amplify their voices, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate this violence. It is time to stand with the millions of girls at risk and ensure that their voices shape a future free from harm.

Her voice matters. Her future is worth fighting for.

Together, we can end FGM—once and for all.

By Ruth Okafor

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence serves as a distressing reminder of the ongoing struggle to eradicate violence against women and other vulnerable groups worldwide. Reflecting on this initiative, it is clear that our commitment must extend beyond these 16 days. While efforts in awareness, policy formulation, and implementation have advanced, the gruesome stories of violence remind us of the work still needed. These cases emphasize the urgency for action and concrete steps to address gender-based violence (GBV) globally.

That said, I must reiterate that the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism is not just a ceremonial marking on the calendar; it represents an essential effort to intensify awareness and generate momentum for ending the scourge of gender-based violence. This period is a call to elevate the voices of survivors and galvanize actionable change that resonates beyond these days. However, to bring about substantial and lasting change, activism must transcend these symbolic observances and become a constant pursuit of justice and equality.

Notably, this year alone has seen heartbreaking stories from around the globe that reiterate the need for a constant reminder of the societal menace of gender-based violence. 

For instance, there was a case involving a 17-year-old girl who was detained for allegedly receiving stolen property and was subsequently raped by a law enforcement officer in Edo State, Nigeria. Imagine an enforcer of the law forcing himself on a 17-year-old girl.

Additionally, we mourned the tragic loss of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was killed by her partner, reminding us of the deadly consequences of intimate partner violence.

Another saddening case is that of Gisela Pericot, who was raped and drugged multiple times by her husband and other men. Gisela’s public declaration against victim shaming marks a pivotal moment in the fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to shift the narrative of shame toward perpetrators rather than survivors.

These are only a few reported cases; many others go unreported due to stigma and lack of trust in the justice system. This highlights the urgent need for systemic change. Furthermore, cultural norms can silence survivors, preventing them from seeking help or justice. Overcoming these barriers is essential to empower victims to speak out. This underscores the necessity for greater awareness and concrete actions by stakeholders. They must make commitments that translate into sustainable policies and actions. 

How can we sustain momentum beyond these 16 Days?

1. Accountability and Follow-Up: Every year, numerous commitments are made by various stakeholders, especially government and community leaders. We must ask clear-cut questions to track progress and accountability to ensure they uphold these commitments made during activism events. Specific, timely reminders and monitoring systems should be prioritized to keep commitments in focus. This could involve civic organizations and active citizens demanding accountability through quarterly evaluations of policy implementations or changes.
2. Promote Local Engagement: As a believer in local solutions to solve global challenges, fostering community-driven initiatives that address cultural and contextual aspects of gender-based violence will further dismantle existing harmful beliefs. Strengthening local government involvement is crucial for sustaining dialogue and preventive measures at the grassroots level. Engaging Religious and Traditional leaders to take charge in addressing these issues will facilitate a bottom-up approach to societal change, significantly aiding in eliminating various forms of violence in our society.
3. Support Victim-Centric Solutions: Creating safe spaces where survivors are heard, believed, and supported without being judged. Amplifying their voices and prioritizing their needs in policy discussions is essential. Encouraging media narratives that highlight stories of resilience while demanding justice for survivors—rather than perpetuating shame—is crucial.

To effectively combat GBV, we must move beyond campaigns and slogans to implement year-round, actionable strategies that address the SYSTEMIC causes of GBV. Which include community education and awareness; technology for safety, and breaking the cycle of silence. Not forgetting that in addressing GBV strict accountability for perpetrators is required which must include; 

• Swift Justice for survivors
• ⁠Rehabilitation Programs for 
• Public Registers for perpetrators
• Zero Tolerance in Institutions

Finally, we must always remember that GBV is not insurmountable; it requires collective will and continuous action from everyone to overcome it. Beyond the 16 Days of Activism, we must commit to a future where safety, dignity, and justice for all are non-negotiable. Every voice matters in shaping this change—your voice can be the difference. Stand with survivors! Let us move from commitments to actionable plans as a society.

Nigeria continues to contend with challenges of accountability, resource allocation, and service delivery, despite significant investments in education, health, and social sectors. These sectors are crucial for sustainable development, yet they suffer from inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of transparency. According to UNICEF, over 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria, representing one of the highest rates in the world. Even with increased budget allocations, Nigeria’s education sector faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, low teacher quality, and high school dropout rates.

The healthcare system in Nigeria is plagued by issues such as poor funding, a shortage of medical personnel, brain drain, poor staff funding and inadequate facilities. The World Bank reports that Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 814 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. Social programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality often suffer from mismanagement and lack of accountability. For instance, the NSEG report (2019) shows that the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) has faced criticism for inefficiencies and corruption, which undermine its effectiveness in alleviating poverty.

Application deadline: 4th October, 2024

Job description 

Girl Child Mentor Volunteer 

Location 

Bauchi state (Alkeleri, Bauchi, Ningi, and Zaki)

Job type: Per time 

This is a 3-year contract. 

Reports to  the project manager

Organizational Background

Connected Development [CODE] is Africa’s leading civil society organization whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa. We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through the Follow The Money project. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress. To enhance effective democratic governance and accountability, CODE creates platforms [mobile and web technologies] that close the feedback loop between citizens and the government. With global expertise and reach, we focus on community outreach, influencing policies, practices, and knowledge mobilization. 

With support from the Malala Fund, CODE is implementing a three-year Girl-Child Education Project (GEP) in Bauchi State which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in Bauchi State’s education sector by adopting a citizen oversight model. 

As part of the project objectives,  CODE is calling for girl child mentors to empower girls by assigning them to female mentors who will guide them in becoming advocates for girls’ education and help them develop digital, social, and life skills, for three years. The training will be done 16 times a year. 

Responsibilities of the mentor 

1. Enhanced advocacy for girls’ education by the mentees
2. Improved digital, social, and life skills among participating girls
3. Successful implementation of quarterly micro-mini projects
4. Measurable improvement in girls’ education based on annual assessments
5. Positive Behavioral Changes: Improved behavior, including greater focus, discipline, and resilience in facing challenges.
6. Submission  of report on meetings, progress, and projects
7. Compile an annual assessment report highlighting the program’s impact and areas for improvement.

What you bring to the team 

1. Experienced female professionals with a background in education, social work, or digital skills
2. Excellent communication and writing skills
3. Ability to impact functional skills and knowledge 
4. The availability and willingness to regularly interact with the mentee
5. Provide truthful and constructive feedback
6. Maintain authenticity in actions and values
7. Reflective in decisions and guidance
8. Identify and nurture the mentee’s potential, encouraging growth
9. Maintain a positive attitude towards challenges and opportunities
10. Establish and nurture strong mentor-mentee relationships
11. Help set realistic goals and objectives for the mentee’s development
12. Hold the mentee accountable for progress and tasks
13. Demonstrate patience in guiding the mentee through their development journey
14. Understand and respect diverse cultural backgrounds
15. Demonstrates qualities and behaviors that set a positive example for the mentee
16. Models a healthy balance between work and personal life

As Nigeria faces yet another wave of devastating floods, with the recent disaster in Maiduguri on September 9th  2024 it has become abundantly clear that the country’s flood management systems are failing to protect our most vulnerable communities.  The cycle of reacting only after a flood occurs, instead of preparing and implementing long-term flood prevention measures, reveals a systemic failure in planning and resource allocation. This catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crises we have consistently raised alarms about through the Community Media Collaboration for Climate Justice (CMCCJ) project and other transparency and accountability initiatives.

We watch as the lives of women, children, and whole families in Maiduguri and elsewhere get turned upside down by this disastrous flooding. We urge immediate and sustained action by the Nigerian government and the international community. Our work in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, alongside a powerful documentary emphasizing the vulnerability of communities during past environmental disasters, shows without a doubt the need for urgency in action and long-term planning to mitigate these preventable losses. Flooding is a predictable and preventable disaster, yet the focus remains on post-disaster management. This annual tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that there are no geographical limits to the environmental crisis. it is indeed possible to protect lives and livelihoods through proactive engagement, community-driven solutions, and openness in government action. But we must act now before another disaster strikes.

Key Challenges

1. Inadequate Early Warning Systems: The absence of a reliable early warning system in many parts of Nigeria means communities are often caught off guard, despite the likelihood of floods being known well in advance due to seasonal patterns. 

2. Inadequate Flood Prevention and Response Systems: Despite commitments from the government and stakeholders following our documentation of the 2022 floods in Rivers State, effective flood prevention measures remain elusive. Vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), continue to bear the brunt of these disasters.

3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Through our advocacy work, we have tracked funds such as the Climate Change and Ecological Fund, revealing the mismanagement and lack of transparency in disbursements for climate resilience projects. The recent floods only further show that it is imperative that these funds are properly allocated and monitored.

4. Breakdown and/or absence of infrastructure: The continued deficiency in government provision of infrastructure as well as poor maintenance of existing ones like dams that collect excess water has exacerbated the risk of flooding across communities in Nigeria.

5. Neglect of Marginalized Communities: Our work with community based organizations has consistently shown that marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, are the most affected by environmental disasters, yet they are the least consulted in the design and implementation of climate adaptation policies.

Call to Action

We call upon the Nigerian Government and the international community to take swift and decisive action to address the recurring flood crises and the broader climate emergency by adopting the following measures:

​1.​Immediate and Transparent Use of Climate and Ecological Funds: The climate change and ecological funds must be immediately mobilized to support flood relief efforts in Maiduguri and other affected regions. The government should ensure that the funds are utilized transparently, and all disbursements must be tracked and reported to the public.

​2.​Increased Funding for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: We urge the Nigerian government, along with international partners, to prioritize the development of climate-resilient infrastructure in flood-prone areas. This includes the construction of dams, maintenance and expansion of existing dams, improved drainage systems, and sustainable housing for communities at risk of displacement.

​3.​Community-Led Solutions and Empowerment: Local communities, especially women and youth, should be empowered and supported to lead climate resilience efforts. This can be achieved through capacity building programs, the establishment of Community Reading Centers (CRCs) for awareness on environmental protection, and the mobilization of community based organizations to monitor government action on flood prevention.

​4.​International Support and Solidarity: We call on the international community to step in with both financial and technical support to address Nigeria’s climate/environmental challenges. Given the scale of devastation, international aid agencies and global climate funds should focus on flood relief and long-term climate adaptation strategies in Nigeria.

​5.​Holding Stakeholders Accountable: All levels of government, including local and state authorities, as well as corporations operating in flood-affected areas, must be held accountable for their role in exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities. This includes companies like Shell Plc, whose operations have contributed to environmental degradation in the South-South region as well as officials of the government found culpable of not maintaining the Alau dam  in Borno state as the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on October 12th 2023, committed to rehabilitating the collapsed 112 million reservoir capacity of the Dam in the state There is also a 78,210,989 Million Naira earmarked for Dam Safety Monitoring and another 159,403,663 Million Naira for Dams and Reservoir Operations Surveillance programme among others in the 2024 Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ budget. How has this been utilised?

The moment is now for immediate action! With the latest floods sweeping across Maiduguri, we are witnessing once again, the failure to adequately prepare for and respond to these climate disasters. While we applaud NEMA’s efforts to collaborate closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre located in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, is available to affected communities. These steps are insufficient in the absence of long-term, inclusive solutions that prioritise the well-being of those affected.

CODE stands by the communities we have worked with in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States and extends our support to those currently suffering in Maiduguri. It is time for the Nigerian government and the international community to commit to lasting change and ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their lives protected.

Connected Development (CODE) is implementing the Girl Child Education Project (GEP), sponsored by the Malala Fund, to revolutionize girls’ education in Bauchi State, Nigeria. This project aims to tackle the persistent challenges that have hindered girls’ access to quality education, including high dropout rates, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers.

One of the key objectives of the GEP is to strengthen collaborations between the government and citizens to implement a transparent and accountable management approach for the State Education Accounts (SEA). The SEA provides a snapshot of education expenditures from public, private, and donor sources, and CODE seeks to make this process more citizen-driven.

By adopting the FollowTheMoney model, CODE empowers citizens to provide oversight functions on government expenditure, ensuring that funds are allocated and utilized effectively. This collaborative approach not only enhances transparency but also builds trust between the government and the people.

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Addressing Barriers to Girls’ Education

Another crucial aspect of the GEP is its focus on addressing traditional and societal barriers that hinder girls’ access to education. The project aims to enhance enrollment, retention, completion, and transition rates for girls in secondary education by applying a gender-responsive education framework.

CODE recognizes that traditional practices and societal attitudes can significantly impact girls’ educational outcomes. The GEP seeks to create an environment that supports and encourages girls to pursue their educational aspirations by engaging with key stakeholders and fostering gender-inclusive practices.

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Aligning with Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning
To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of its efforts, the GEP aligns with Bauchi state’s Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning and Budgeting. This approach involves key stakeholders in decision-making and ensures that gender-responsive strategies are integrated into the education system.

By aligning with this framework, GEP-BAUCHI aims to create a more inclusive and equitable education system that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by girls in Bauchi State.

Expected Outcomes

Through the GEP, CODE expects to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Increased transparency and accountability in the education sector through citizen-driven oversight.

2. Improved accessibility, retention, and completion of 12 years of free, quality education for girls in Bauchi State.

3. Enhanced collaboration between the government and citizens in the management of education resources.

4. Adoption of gender-responsive education policies and practices that support girls’ education.

The GEP represents a significant step forward in the fight for girls’ education in Bauchi State. By fostering collaboration, enhancing accountability, and addressing societal barriers, CODE aims to create a more equitable and inclusive education system that empowers girls to reach their full potential. Through sustained efforts and the commitment of all stakeholders, the GEP has the potential to transform the educational landscape in Bauchi State and serve as a model for other states in Nigeria.

Connected Development (CODE), in collaboration with Magamba Network, is spearheading a campaign to evaluate civic space in Nigeria and Uganda, focusing on its implications for parliamentary engagement. This initiative aims to bolster citizen participation and awareness regarding democratic processes in both countries. To facilitate this, CODE has developed a Civic Space Assessment Survey designed to identify specific challenges within civic spaces in Nigeria and Uganda.

The survey is intended to serve as a vital resource for raising awareness about the obstacles to maintaining a transparent and accountable democratic system. By gathering insights from citizens, the project seeks to bridge the gap between the populace and state actors, fostering an environment conducive to civic engagement.

The information collected through this survey will remain confidential, ensuring that responses are used solely for research purposes without linking them to individual participants. This approach underscores CODE’s commitment to protecting the privacy of respondents while striving to enhance democratic participation in the region.

Through this campaign, CODE and Magamba Network aim to empower citizens, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping their governance and advocating for their rights within the civic space.

LINK HERE

JUNE 21, 2024

Preamble

The 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2024, themed “Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity” hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania from 18-21 June, brought together civil society activists, journalists, academia, development organizations, world leaders, thought leaders, business leaders, and change agents from more than 140 countries to discuss crucial corruption-related issues and devise strategies for promoting integrity on a global scale. 

Having participated in discussions on various thematic issues at the Conference, such as Strengthening the UNCAC’s Monitoring Mechanism to Increase Accountability & Promote Civic Space; Cutting off the Flow: Tackling Strategic Corruption in Political Finance; The Imperative of Inclusion: Marginalized Communities in The Fight against Corruption; Safeguarding Our Planet: Tackling Corruption in Climate Action, among others, we, the Nigerian delegates at the conference note the following disturbing trends in Nigeria.

Observations

1. 1. That it is evident that corruption in Nigeria has garnered international attention, as Nigeria was frequently used as a case study during the sessions at IACC.
2. 2. That despite the tireless efforts of civil society and anti-corruption agencies, Nigeria continues to grapple with rampant corruption in public sectors.
3. 3. That there is a disconcerting worry among the public regarding judicial corruption, a concern that has been further exacerbated by the frequent issuance of contradictory orders from courts. This growing unease stems from the perception that some judges may be susceptible to external influences, compromising the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system.
4. 4. That the lack of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s security spending has resulted in minimal progress in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This is further exacerbated by the misuse of funds by civilian and military officials, perpetuating corruption.
5. 5. That there is pervasive gender inequality and social exclusion in the country, which has deepened corruption. 
6. 6. That despite the government’s professed commitment to combat corruption, there is still unwarranted political interference in the operations of national and subnational anti-corruption agencies.
7. 7. That the government’s economic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the depreciation of the Naira, have widened the gap between the rich and the poor, plunging millions of Nigerians into extreme poverty.
8. 8. That one of the critical components of anti-corruption efforts, such as whistleblowers, lack adequate support and protection from the government.
9. 9. That despite the existence of public procurement laws in Nigeria, contract awards and licensing processes remain veiled in secrecy, deviating from the prescribed standards of open contracting.
10. 10. That although democracy should safeguard the civic space and those operating within it, journalists, anti-corruption activists, and CSOs face incessant attacks from both state and non-state actors, hindering the participation of crucial stakeholders in Nigeria’s socio-political development.
11. 11. That there is a complete disregard for the Asset Declaration law and institutions in Nigeria. Despite the government and CSOs’ efforts to recover assets, mismanagement of these assets persists, and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2022 remains non-operational.
12. 12. That the absence of CSO fighting coalitions in the nation has led to a situation where both the general public and political office holders disregard the principles of due process and the rule of law.

Resolutions:

In light of the aforementioned observations, we hereby make the following resolutions:

1. The Need for Collective Action:

• – To activate and mobilize the existing democratic coalitions in the country to collectively combat corruption.
• – To reaffirm our commitment to fighting corruption by providing necessary assistance to all stakeholders in addressing corruption within their respective domains. 
• – To collaborate with the private sector, professional bodies, organized labour, and the media to amplify discussions on corruption, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, regardless of gender, region, or affiliation.

2. Dedication of Stakeholders:

• – To support and collaborate with key stakeholders to foster an environment of integrity and accountability.
• – To utilize the media and other social platforms to raise awareness about corruption issues and promote transparency in governance.
• – To provide resources and expertise to support reforms and enhance regulatory frameworks, ensuring their effective implementation.
• – To encourage compliance by urging both large and small, multinational and local organisations to conduct their affairs with integrity, without favouritism or undue influence.

3. The Impact of Corruption

4. Collective Resolve

• – Implementing Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) as a strategy to guarantee inclusivity for all.
• – Standing united in shaping a future where transparency and accountability are standard practices, not rare occurrences, in Nigeria.

Recommendations/Call to Action:

1. – We urge the President, Governors, Legislators, and other elected and appointed state officials to set a positive example and guarantee the transparent and accountable implementation of all regulatory frameworks, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
2. – We call on public officials to maintain the utmost integrity, fostering a culture of accountability, gender equality, and social inclusion at every level of government.
3. – We urge government entities at all levels to create and adopt a comprehensive implementation framework for the national anti-corruption strategy.
4. – We insist on transparency in the utilization of security vote funds, allowing civil society and the public to scrutinize the spending mechanism. This will ensure that the safety and security of citizens are adequately addressed.
5. – We call on law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the Federal and State Ministries of Justice to fulfil their responsibilities by strictly enforcing anti-corruption laws and promptly apprehending and prosecuting those involved in illicit financial crimes.
6. – We demand the safeguarding of the civic space and the protection and security of civic actors, including citizen monitors, whistleblowers, and journalists, in their work and advocacy against corruption.
7. – We call all Nigerians to join us in this crucial moment as we strive for a brighter, more equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Signed:

1. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
2. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
3. Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED)
4. HEDA Resource Centre
5. Connected Development (CODE) 
6. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
7. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
8. Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch
9. Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA)

DOWNLOAD PDF HERE

By Mohammed Gimba

In an era where information is abundant, data is the backbone of informed decision-making, shaping policies, and improving advocacy efforts. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of data in advocacy and policy-making cannot be overstated. It is a powerful tool to identify societal challenges, measure progress, and drive meaningful change.

Advocacy thrives on evidence, and data provides the necessary evidence base to advocate for change effectively. Whether it’s advocating for social justice, environmental conservation, or healthcare reform, data sheds light on the magnitude and nature of issues, giving advocates a compelling narrative to drive their agenda forward.

For instance, in public health, data-driven advocacy campaigns utilize statistics on disease prevalence, healthcare access, and mortality rates to raise awareness, mobilize support, and influence policy decisions. By presenting data clearly and compellingly, advocates can effectively communicate the urgency of addressing pressing issues and rally stakeholders around common goals.

Policy-making, likewise, relies heavily on data to craft effective strategies and allocate resources efficiently. Data analysis provides policymakers with insights into the impact of existing policies, identifies areas requiring intervention, and predicts future trends. Whether it’s crafting legislation, designing social programs, or allocating funding, data-driven policy-making ensures decisions are grounded in evidence and aimed at achieving tangible outcomes.

For example, in education policy, data analytics can reveal disparities in academic achievement across demographic groups, highlight factors contributing to student success, and inform targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes. By leveraging data, policymakers can tailor policies to address the specific needs of diverse communities and foster equitable access to quality education.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of data in advocacy and policy-making is immense, it also presents challenges. Data privacy, accuracy, and accessibility issues must be carefully navigated to ensure the integrity and inclusivity of decision-making processes. Moreover, effectively translating data into actionable insights requires technical expertise and effective communication skills.

However, these challenges are outweighed by the opportunities that data affords. Advancements in technology, such as big data analytics and machine learning, offer new avenues for extracting valuable insights from complex datasets. Furthermore, the democratization of data through open data initiatives empowers citizens to actively participate in the policy-making process, fostering transparency and accountability.

Data catalyzes positive change, empowering advocates and policymakers to address pressing societal challenges, especially in this increasingly complex and interconnected world. By harnessing the power of data, we can build more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Let us embrace data-driven approaches to advocacy and policy-making, leveraging technology and collaboration to drive meaningful impact.

By Alice, Noor and Rabiee

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, harnessing its power for social good has become paramount. Our enriching experience collaborating with Connected Development (CODE), has had a transformative impact on our journey and we’ve tried our best to capture the moments here. 

For us, CODE transcends the traditional notion of a workplace; it functions as a diverse community that nurtures individual development, enhances staff skills, and places a high value on the well-being of its employees. Through our three months of research, we got the chance to explore topics such as Nigeria’s climate finance plans, artificial intelligence, and education. Members of the CODE team have guided us with warmth, support, and endless kindness, helping us to develop relevant ideas that could benefit people at the grassroots. This has, in turn, allowed us to grow as individuals, academics, and budding researchers. 

We were drawn to CODE’s innovative approach, utilising platforms like social media and mobile technology to engage citizens and catalyse grassroots movements. One of the most rewarding aspects of working with CODE is witnessing the tangible impact of their initiatives in empowering marginalized communities. Through projects like FollowTheMoney, we’ve seen firsthand how communities are mobilised to demand transparency and accountability from policymakers. Furthermore, CODE’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration has been inspirational. We have rarely witnessed such a thriving office culture with employees at all levels speaking their minds and being listened to by the rest of the team. It was refreshing for us to see. 

Alice:

“I have enjoyed my experience at CODE so much and value the three months I have spent working with Dr. Augustine and the rest of the team. I initially had some reservations about working remotely from London and how this would impact my interactions with the team but, with the wonderful support that Noor, Rabiee, and I have received from CODE, it has often felt like we were in Abuja with the rest of the office. It is rare to encounter a workplace whose values of community and empowerment translate throughout the organisation and I want to thank the team for this excellent opportunity.”

Alice Allfrey

Noor:

“My time at CODE has been enriching in more ways than I could have imagined. Through weekly meetings with Dr. Augustine, workshops with Mustafa, and frequent contact with the rest of the team, I have truly felt a sense of belonging. Although my work has been online with my co-researchers, Alice and Rabiee, the team at CODE never let me feel the distance. I have grown both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful to have gotten the chance to work at CODE.”

Noor Dhingra

Rabiee:

“From the very start, CODE welcomed us with open arms. Despite the virtual nature of our placement, the team’s warmth and inclusivity made us feel like valued members from day one. Their dedication to fostering a collaborative community shines through in every aspect of their work.  I’ve been consistently impressed by the open communication, support, and genuine care they show for each team member’s development. This placement has deepened my research skills and ignited a passion for using data and technology as tools for positive social change. Working alongside my colleagues, Noor and Alice, has been an absolute highlight – their insights, dedication, and collaborative spirit have enriched the experience immensely. I’m especially grateful for Dr. Augustine’s guidance and mentorship; his commitment and CODE’s supportive environment have created a truly empowering learning experience.”

Rabiee Ibrahim

Our journey with CODE has been nothing short of transformative. To see how highly CODE values community activism and empowerment gives us great hope for the future, particularly in a world that faces more and more complex obstacles to reaching a more equitable society.

We look forward to doing more.