feminizini

Feminizini, a Lagos-based initiative, aims to promote feminist dialogue and activism. The organization's name is derived from the Yoruba word " feminizini," which means "feminine woman" or "feminist woman". The group was founded in 2006 by Aderonke Moss-Essi and Kemi Omiwade, among others, to mobilize support for women's rights and empowerment in Nigeria.

Feminizini's activities focus on creating spaces for women to discuss issues affecting their lives, such as reproductive health, economic empowerment, and violence against women. The organization frequently hosts workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns on various topics, including women's rights, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS. These events often bring together women from diverse backgrounds, intellectuals, and experts in related fields.

One of the key objectives of Feminizini is to strengthen the voices of Nigerian women in asserting their rights and claim their spaces in society. The group seeks to use feminist theories and practices to advocate for changes in policies and laws that affect women's lives. By engaging local communities, Feminizini works to amplify the perspectives and experiences of Nigerian women and promote effective solutions to the challenges they face.

Feminizini has received recognition within Nigeria and internationally for its role in promoting feminist activism and thought. However, it also faces challenges, particularly in navigating the complex and often conservative cultural and social landscape of Nigeria. As a smaller, non-state-backed women's organization, Feminizini faces stiffer opposition to influence within a more conservative male-dominated power structure.