Women for Women International Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to improve the lives of women affected by conflict across Nigeria.

The appeal was made during the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebration in Nigeria, where stakeholders reflected on its impact over the past two and a half decades and renewed their commitment to supporting women living in conflict-affected communities.

Speaking at the event, Country Director of Women for Women International Nigeria, Bukola Onyishi, said women caught in conflict situations deserve the opportunity not only to survive but to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and thrive on both local and global stages.

In her opening remarks, Onyishi highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls. She noted that while one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence during her lifetime even in peacetime, the realities become far more devastating for women living amid armed conflict.

“Imagine being pregnant while fleeing conflict. Imagine being a young girl managing menstruation in a displacement camp. Imagine being elderly or living with a disability with nowhere to turn for safety,” she said.

She explained that these realities inspired the establishment of Women for Women International 33 years ago by Zainab Salbi and Amjad Atalah during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The vision was simple but profound—to help women affected by war move from surviving to thriving,” Onyishi said.

She added that the mission expanded to Nigeria 25 years ago, where the organisation has continued to support women affected by violence and displacement across communities in states including Plateau, Bauchi, and Benue.

According to her, thousands of women have rebuilt their confidence, established businesses, educated their children, emerged as community leaders, and regained hope through the organisation’s intervention.

Chief Executive Officer of Women for Women International, Thelma Ekiyor, said the organisation’s journey has been driven by the belief that women are powerful agents of change.

“Our work over the years has shown that when women are given the right support, they can overcome unimaginable hardship, rebuild their lives, and transform their families and communities,” she said.

International Board Member Rima Salah stressed the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, describing it as a global policy framework that recognises the unique and disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls while promoting their active participation in peacebuilding and security processes.

She urged stakeholders to continue amplifying the voices of Nigerian women.

“Let their voices echo across the world. Let them tell their stories of resilience, leadership and success,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of Woodhall Capital Foundation, Vavo Hunponu-Wusu, congratulated the Nigerian team on its milestone, noting that sustainable development begins by empowering people with purpose and opportunity.

He called for renewed commitment to building a future where every woman has access to opportunities, every girl can dream without limitations, and partnerships deliver measurable and lasting impact.

Founder of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and actress and humanitarian Stella Damasus also underscored the heavy burden conflict places on women and girls.

They noted that while insecurity continues to displace families and disrupt livelihoods, survivors must be continually reminded that recovery is possible with the right support systems.

Both speakers called on government, security agencies, development partners, and the wider society to ensure that women affected by conflict are not abandoned but provided with the resources, protection, and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives.

The event featured moving testimonies from women who shared how Women for Women International helped them regain confidence, establish sustainable livelihoods, care for their children, and begin life again after experiencing conflict.

Their stories served as a powerful reminder that with sustained support and investment, women can rise above crisis, restore their dignity, and become catalysts for lasting change in their communities.