Virgin Heart Foundation Holds Conference to Support Young Female Leaders in Civic Space

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

L–R: Chimezie Ebosire, State Officer of BudgIT; Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, journalist and editor; Princess Ngozi Anyanwu, representing FIDA; Peace Dike, Executive Director, Virgin Heart Foundation; Hon. Chief Bright Ahamefule, Secretary, Ikeduru LGA; Ngozi Nwosu, Executive Director, Vision Spring Initiative; Winfred Adaugo, law student, IMSU; Chizaram C. Orjiakor, Programme Coordinator, Federal Polytechnic Nekede; Barr. Godwin Iyke Umah E, Chairman, Prisons Advocacy and Justice Initiative; and Marjorie Ezihe of Onurube Coalition, during the panel session at the Virgin Heart Foundation Conference on civic engagement held in Owerri, Imo State, on July 29.

Virgin Heart Foundation, in partnership with Spaces for Change under the Action Group on Free Civic Space programme, held its first conference focused on empowering young female leaders and activists within Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. The event took place on 29 July at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.

The objective of the conference was to strengthen the voice, leadership, and resilience of young women in Imo State. It aimed to amplify their participation in civic matters, encourage patriotic dialogue, and inspire them to take part in public interest advocacy and grassroots action in the South-East region.

Participants included students from Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Imo State University (IMSU), Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and several other institutions. Civil society organisations, legal professionals, journalists, and human rights defenders also attended.

In her welcome address, Peace Dike, Executive Director of Virgin Heart Foundation, spoke about the importance of civic awareness and inclusive leadership. She noted that the gathering was an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn in a fast-changing world. She said: ‘Civic space is not just our right; it is our life. This is our first conference of this kind, and we are glad it finally held despite earlier challenges.’

She encouraged the young women present to make use of their voices, reminding them that they are not too young to lead or create positive change. She also highlighted the Foundation’s work since its establishment in 2017, particularly in supporting young people and promoting civic education.

She acknowledged the critical role of Spaces for Change in the success of the programme, noting that the organisation has been a long-standing advocate for civic freedoms and social justice in Nigeria. Through its Action Group on Free Civic Space programme, Spaces for Change works to protect fundamental rights and create platforms for inclusive participation in governance. Their collaboration with Virgin Heart Foundation for this conference, she explained, was a shared effort to empower young women, promote civic awareness, and address the challenges within Nigeria’s rapidly closing civic space.

The programme featured a pre-test on national security and civic space, a video documentary with feedback on the shrinking civic space, and breakout sessions. These sessions addressed topics such as the gendered impacts of shrinking civic space, reclaiming civic space through activism, exploring feminist hubs, and the role of digital inclusion in civic engagement.

A panel session moderated by Chimezie Ebosire, State Officer of BudgIT, brought together a range of voices. Panelists included Chizaram C. Orjiakor, Programme Coordinator from Federal Polytechnic Nekede; Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, journalist and editor; Winfred Adaugo, law student from IMSU; Ngozi Nwosu, Executive Director of Vision Spring Initiative; Juliet Okeivi, civic space advocate; Hon. Chief Bright Ahamefule, Secretary of Ikeduru Local Government Area; Barrister Godwin Iyke Umah E, Chairman of Prisons Advocacy and Justice Initiative and Secretary of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch; Princess Ngozi Anyanwu, representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Marjorie Ezihe of Onurube Coalition; and Peace Dike, Executive Director of Virgin Heart Foundation.

During the session, Marjorie Ezihe described the civic space in Imo as no longer shrinking but already shrunk. ‘The civic space in Imo has already shrunk,’ she said. ‘When we say shrinking, it sounds like it’s in the process. But the reality is, we are already operating in a closed space. If you call a roll of active female activists in the state, how many will you find?’

She attributed the lack of active female engagement to insecurity, fear of labelling, and intimidation. Drawing from her personal experience, Marjorie Ezihe shared that she had faced arrest and harassment multiple times. ‘We are talking about arrests. I have been intimidated. I have been arrested. I know how many times I’ve called Barrister Umah E. He has a real passion for defending human rights, and he always shows up when I call,’ she said. While she acknowledged that there are others equally committed, she noted that not everyone demonstrates the same level of dedication. Ezihe emphasised that although she has often leaned on his support, there is only so much one person can do.

She explained that many young people, especially women, face economic and social pressures that hinder their participation in civic work. In schools, when students’ rights are violated, they often remain silent. Some are afraid of being seen as troublemakers, while others simply want to stay in favour. However, civic participation sometimes requires collective action, such as walking out of class together when a fellow student is mistreated, speaking up, and holding authorities accountable.

Ezihe also highlighted how societal expectations place restrictions on women. ‘You’re expected to dress, speak, and behave in certain ways. If you speak out, you’re told to stay quiet because you’re a woman. But before anything, we are human beings, and that should matter.’

She noted that gender-based violence, stereotyping, and lack of safe spaces continue to silence women. This silence is part of how the civic space remains closed.

Barrister Godwin Iyke Umah E, Chairman of the Prisons Advocacy and Justice Initiative and Secretary of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, added that legal and systemic issues continue to discourage civic engagement. He explained that individuals trying to report injustices are often told by police officers to reframe their complaints into criminal allegations to attract attention. This, he said, puts people at further risk and allows abuse of power to persist.

He stressed that activists must operate within the law and seek legal support whenever possible. According to him, having legal allies provides a level of protection, as authorities are more cautious when dealing with someone backed by credible institutions. He revealed that he currently has more than 30 human rights cases in court, many of which he is handling pro bono.

Umah encouraged participants to report rights violations and build relationships with legal organisations. He also lamented the underuse of digital advocacy tools, pointing out that many young people spend their data on irrelevant content instead of issues that affect their futures. He called for a shift in mindset and greater accountability through reporting and documentation.

Angela Nkwo-Akpolu emphasised the need to be mindful of the information shared online. Referring to the digital space, she highlighted platforms like Facebook and jokingly remarked that Imo State is the “headquarters of Facebook” in the entire world. She urged women to post meaningful and relevant content that draws positive engagement, rather than posts that generate irrelevant or unhelpful traffic.

Ngozi Nwosu said civic space is shrinking, and fear among activists is increasing. She encouraged participants to understand the limits and powers of law enforcement, stressing that informed individuals are better equipped to stand their ground.

Chizaram Orjiakor reminded her fellow students that civic rights also apply within academic institutions. ‘We can organise ourselves and speak up when things go wrong,’ she said.

Winfred Adaugo added that knowing the law is not enough; acting on it matters more. ‘We are the ones who will speak for others tomorrow. If I can do it, you can do it. We do not need to be afraid of anything. Rather, we should stand up and do what is right. The time is now,’ she said.

Hon. Chief Bright Ahamefule encouraged young people to begin leadership where they are, no matter how small.

Princess Ngozi Anyanwu said every woman’s voice counts, whether student, trader, or professional.

Barrister Dr Otitodiri Onyema, who joined virtually from Canada, said young women must be supported with resources and encouragement to step into leadership.

Testimony Omole spoke on how civic voices are often harassed but urged attendees not to stay silent in the face of injustice.

As the conference came to an end, many students expressed a better understanding of civic space and how it affects their everyday lives. Some had long considered starting community initiatives but didn’t know where to begin. The conference provided clarity, motivation, and a sense of direction.

Students said the discussions helped them realise that participation and advocacy are not just for politicians; they are for everyone. The sessions encouraged them to get involved, speak up when rights are violated, and take active roles in their schools and communities.

Many also expressed interest in finding mentors and building networks to support their next steps.

 

A cross-section of participants at the conference on empowering young female leaders in the civic space.

Barrister Godwin Iyke Umah E, Chairman of the Prisons Advocacy and Justice Initiative and Secretary of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, addresses participants during the panel session.

Chizaram C. Orjiakor, Programme Coordinator at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, speaks during the panel session on civic participation and youth leadership.