To intensify efforts on gender equality and promote transformative leadership in Nigeria, Executive Director of HEIR Women Hub (HWH), Anuli Aniebo, has earned a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
Aniebo, who also advocates for economic justice revealed that this academic achievement equips her with fresh perspectives and strategies to advance the inclusion of young women in leadership and decision-making spaces—challenging entrenched traditions and patriarchy across the country.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Aniebo described how the rigorous coursework and global exposure at SOAS deepened her understanding of the unique challenges surrounding gender and leadership.
“My experience provided access to historical contexts and deeper insight into the limitations in representation that we all face. It reshaped my mindset and enhanced my ability to intervene in situations differently by drawing from intellectual discourse by scholars across African academia,” she stated.
Aniebo emphasised her commitment to reimagining leadership systems that often exclude young women and girls from positions of influence. She noted that her studies sharpened her awareness of how entrenched ideologies and binary identity constructs shape societal structures—especially in Nigeria.
“The interpretation of such ideologies still informs the way we practice leadership in our country, through both structures and institutions of power”.
Her newly gained knowledge is far from theoretical—it underpins her work at HEIR Women Hub, a youth-led organisation championing gender equity and leadership access for young women. Under her leadership, and with the current support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), the organisation has spent over five years advocating against workplace sexual harassment and generating impactful data.
“Our findings show that over 52 percent of young women—three in five—have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. We’re now examining the availability and implementation of sexual harassment policies across organisations, starting with the FCT.”
She further disclosed that the initiative is advancing beyond data collection, with a validation meeting in the works and broader efforts aimed at addressing the root causes through a better understanding of harmful social norms.
Aniebo stressed that the workplace must be a space of protection and prevention. She added that her renewed academic insight is driving the organisation’s evolving strategy, aimed at achieving systemic change through evidence-based advocacy.
She pointed out that Nigeria still lags behind global counterparts in addressing gender-based issues. Citing international precedents, she observed that while global progress has been made, Nigeria continues to grapple with victim-blaming and insufficient institutional support.
“The burden of proof remains on the victim, and the system of bullying and mob mentality often seeks to discredit survivors before even listening to them,” she lamented.
Aniebo reaffirmed her dedication to leadership and advocacy, rooted in the core values that shape her work and that of HEIR Women Hub: Hard work, Equality, Intelligence, and Respect. “These values have propelled many to success globally. In reshaping society—especially when it comes to mindsets and behavioural change—sustained effort is non-negotiable.”
Her academic and advocacy journey marks a bold new chapter for women’s leadership in Nigeria.
