A non-profit organisation AondonguHer Hope Initiative (HHI) has launched to combat the menace of sex trafficking in Nigeria.

Founded and led by Doosuur Victoria Tilley-Gyado, HHI is dedicated to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and challenging harmful societal norms that perpetuate the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

She said the International Organization for Migration estimates that there are over 1.4 million victims of human trafficking in Nigeria, with women and children being the most affected.

“HHI aims to tackle this crisis head-on by raising awareness, advocating for legislative solutions, and mobilizing support from the media, lawmakers, and the public,” Doosuur said in a statement.

She said HHI’s origins can be traced back to a transformative series of events in January 2023, which included screenings of the impactful film “Oloture” by Kenneth Gyang.

“The events, managed by Doosuur’s female-led projects and events management company, Small Business Big World, brought together members of the public, press, and diplomatic community in Abuja and Benin City. The screenings sparked critical conversations about the harsh realities faced by victims of sex trafficking in Nigeria,” she said.

“The January events were a catalyst for action,” said Doosuur. “They not only raised awareness but also laid the groundwork for meaningful change. We are committed to advocating for policies that protect vulnerable populations and changing societal perceptions around trafficking.”

She said central to HHI’s work is empowering women and young girls, who are disproportionately affected by trafficking. The organization’s efforts focus on legislative advocacy, community mobilization, and survivor support to combat this form of modern-day slavery.

She said passion for advocacy was nurtured from an early age, deeply influenced by her upbringing.

Her late mother, Barr. Mrs. Margaret Aondonguher Tilley-Gyado Esq., was a lawyer, educator, and writer whose work centred around women’s empowerment and social change.

The name “AondonguHer,” a Tiv name meaning “God is here,” was her mother’s name and symbolizes the initiative’s message of hope and divine presence for survivors of trafficking, she explained.

“HHI extends its gratitude to the embassies, Yar’Adua Foundation, UN Women, FIIAPP, members of the public, and the media for their support during the January 2023 events. The organization believes that through collaborative efforts, sex trafficking of Nigerian women and girls can be eradicated.

“We invite all stakeholders to join the fight against exploitation and work together toward a future where every woman and girl can live with hope, dignity, and freedom.

“For more information about AondonguHer Hope Initiative and how to get involved, please visit @herhopeinitiative across all social media handles.”