Who we are
Driven by our mission to create a society where every woman, girl, and child is safe, empowered, and free from violence, we have consistently worked at the forefront of transformative change through education, advocacy, community engagement, and support services. Our approach is holistic, combining prevention, empowerment, and recovery to ensure that survivors of abuse and marginalized groups receive the comprehensive support they need to rebuild their lives.
Funke Ijayekunle – Founder
3318
SURVIVORS SUPPORTED
28K+
Secondary school students impacted
15
EXPERIENCED COUNSELORS
7
INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
More About Hearminders Initiative
Our Initiatives & Impact
Empowering Over 21,000 Students, We have provided sex education, self-defense training, and anti-bullying programs in schools, reaching over 21,000 students across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. Our school programs are designed to promote safe environments, encourage reporting of abuse, and build the self-esteem of young people.
Funke is a life changer, having magical skills for helping people who have been abused by others.
~ Core TV News, August 2021
WHAT WE DO
Our work spans various initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, providing support to survivors, and advocating for policy changes to promote gender equality. The following are key pillars of our activities
Prevention and Awareness Campaigns
Heartminders Initiative has consistently led social media campaigns, community outreach programs, and awareness drives that challenge societal norms and attitudes perpetuating GBV and child sexual abuse. We use a combination of traditional and digital platforms to reach a diverse audience, spreading awareness on key issues such as consent, children’s rights, and mental health. Our social media campaigns have reached thousands, igniting conversations on sensitive topics and encouraging community participation in the fight against violence.
Education and Capacity Building
We strongly believe that education is a powerful tool for change. Our organization conducts seminars, workshops, sex education programs, and conferences that equip young people, parents, educators, and community leaders with knowledge on recognizing signs of abuse, understanding their rights, and accessing available support services. We aim to empower individuals to advocate for themselves and others, fostering a culture of safety and mutual respect.
Advocacy for Policy Reform
Heartminders Initiative actively advocates for policy changes to protect the rights of women and children. We collaborate with policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to push for stronger laws against GBV, child exploitation, and gender discrimination. Through our participation in forums, submission of policy briefs, and mobilization for legislative reforms, we seek to bring lasting structural changes that benefit survivors and prevent future abuse.
Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services
We understand that mental health is a critical aspect of recovery for survivors of violence. Heartminders Initiative provides psychosocial support, trauma-informed counseling, and referrals to mental health services for those who have experienced sexual assault and abuse. Our approach is survivor-centered, focusing on healing and empowerment. We also conduct mental health awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Community Engagement and Grassroots Mobilization
Our presence in communities is strong, with direct outreach programs, rallies, and interactive sessions that encourage local participation in GBV prevention. We engage with Community Development Councils (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDA), religious leaders, schools, and market associations to build a grassroots movement for change. We promote community parenting, active bystander intervention, and local reporting mechanisms to ensure that violence is not tolerated in any form.
Multi-Channel Advocacy Through Documentaries and Media
Using the power of storytelling, Heartminders Initiative produces documentaries and media content that highlight the experiences of survivors, the impact of GBV on families and communities, and the successes of our interventions. Our documentaries serve as advocacy tools, amplifying the voices of those affected and challenging policymakers to take action. We believe that through visual narratives, we can evoke empathy, raise awareness, and inspire collective action.