Human Development Initiatives (HDI)

02/04/2025

Inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: A DAY OUT WITH WIVES
*“I AM A WIFE NOT A KNIFE”*
Time: Apr 2, 2025 11:00 AM Africa/Lagos
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86090258711?pwd=IfZeogRIOoa8XrrZFWFREs2bUi125U.1

Meeting ID: 860 9025 8711
Passcode: 734945

09/03/2025

https://radionigerialagos.gov.ng/hdi-foundation-nigeria-calls-on-csos-to-push-for-laws-and-policies-promoting-womens-rights-and-equality-using-multifaceted-approaches/

Yemisi Dada In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD, there is a need for the government at all levels to be committed to mitigating barriers hindering women’s advancement…

08/03/2025

PRESS RELEASE IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2025

Happy International Women's Day 2025 with the theme: Accelerating Actions for Women's Empowerment.

At Human Development Initiatives Foundation (HDIF), we celebrate women's achievements and resilience. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to accelerating actions that empower women and amplify their voices in every area of life.

The journey to women's empowerment requires a multifaceted approach, involving individuals, society, culture, institutions, and systems. Many women face significant challenges in finding their place, being valued, and recognized. Societal attitudes, perpetuated through both overt and subtle messages, have led numerous women to accept their marginalized status. This process is evident even within the family unit, where women are often belittled by their partners during conversations, with demeaning remarks such as "What do you know?" or "My opinion is what matters." Unfortunately, this pattern of behavior is also prevalent in various public and private institutions, further entrenching the cycle of marginalization, leaving them feeling silenced, with low self-esteem and rendering them invisible which ultimately led to debilitating emotional health issues, potentially crippling their well-being if left unaddressed or improperly managed.

To change this trajectory, we must:

1. Establish supportive structures: Governments must create systems that enable women to achieve their dreams, build their self-esteem, and access education and skill development opportunities.

2. Promote media representation: Showcase women's achievements and celebrate their successes through social media and other platforms.

3. Support women in leadership: Encourage and empower women to take on leadership roles.

4. Commit to mitigating barriers: Foster a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the obstacles that hinder women's advancement.

5. Amplify women's voices: Invite women to contribute to discussions and decision-making processes.

6. Advocate for gender equality: Civil societies must push for laws and policies that promote women's rights and equality.

Beyond these actions, we must prioritize women's emotional health and well-being. We must create a supportive environment where women feel valued, confident, and empowered to achieve their dreams.

To all women, we say: believe in yourself, stay strong, and remember that you deserve to be celebrated. Please take a moment to hug yourself – you are worthy of love and appreciation.

Let's work together to create a world where women are empowered, audible, and visible in every area of life.

Signed by:
Olufunso Owasanoye,
The Executive Director
HDI Foundation, Nigeria

07/01/2025

APPRECIATION

Compliments of the Season!

Trust this mail finds you well.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management, Members of staff of Human Development Initiatives Foundation and the beneficiaries of HDI-Education Trust Fund and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (who are the orphans, children of poor widows/widowers and children with disabilities,) and our indigent widows, we express our profound gratitude to you for always supporting our social impact programs thus far.

Despite the economic challenges facing our country, your steadfast assistance in promoting education for vulnerable children and empowering indigent widows has been a source of strength and inspiration for us. We truly could not have achieved this without your generosity. From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for your commitment to making a difference.

We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with you this year as we work together to uplift those in need.

God bless you.

Human Development Initiatives Foundation (HDIF)

20/12/2024

Human Development Initiatives (HDI) Foundation, in partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Oludare, distributed food palliatives to 25 widows in Lagos on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, bringing joy and relief to those in need.

Mrs. Olufunso Owasanoye, the Executive Director of HDI Foundation in her goodwill messages, encouraged the women to prioritize their well-being and pray for their children's success during these challenging times. She concluded by wishing the women a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.

The partner, Mrs. Hannah Oludare, also expressed their commitment to supporting the widows, promising to do more in the coming years. They joined in wishing the women a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.

Bolanle Dare, in her seasonal goodwill message, urged the widows to exercise restraint and moderation during the festivities. She also appealed to them to place their hope and trust in God. Furthermore, she extended her warmest wishes to the widows for a joyous and peaceful celebration.

04/12/2024

PRESS RELEASE
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES FOUNDATION CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION DURING THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

*Theme: Time to Act Now*

Human Development Initiatives (HDI) Foundation stands united with global efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV) as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This year’s theme, “Time to Act Now,” underscores the urgency of collective action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

In Nigeria, gender-based violence remains alarmingly prevalent. A 2022 report indicated that at least 30% of Nigerian women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Tragically, domestic violence often goes unreported due to societal stigma, fear of reprisal, and weak enforcement of laws designed to protect women. Beyond physical harm, survivors endure long-lasting psychological and economic effects, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in Nigeria, with alarming statistics highlighting the need for immediate intervention. A UN Women report revealed that 45% of Nigerian women have experienced violence, while domestic violence accounts for a significant percentage of reported cases.

Furthermore, societal stigma and fear of reprisal prevent countless victims from seeking help, leaving many to suffer in silence.

At HDI Foundation, we are committed to breaking this silence.

We encourage women and girls facing violence to speak out and seek help. Survivors can report cases to trusted organizations, local authorities, and hotlines such as Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on 08000333333 or Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) on 08063694610, including HDI’s support services on 08080551376, for counselling and assistance.

HDI Foundation calls on the Nigerian government to strengthen existing legal frameworks to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable; to allocate increased funding to shelters, legal aid, and mental health services for survivors; and to launch widespread public awareness campaigns to shift cultural attitudes that normalize or excuse violence.

We also urge community leaders, educators, and men to play active roles in combating Gender Based Violence by promoting respect, equality, and non-violence. Ending Gender Based Violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal imperative.

We invite everyone to join the fight against Gender Based Violence. Whether you are an individual, organization, or policymaker, you have the power to create change. Report violence! Advocate for justice! Support survivors! Together, we can end Gender Based Violence.

*Signed By *
Olufunso Owasanoye
Executive Director
Human Development Initiatives Foundation

*Issued Date: 3rd December, 2024*

02/12/2024

From the office of *Human Development Initiatives (HDI) Foundation.*

Join us in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence! Tune in to the following radio stations to listen to HDI's voice on Human Rights Advocacy:

- Radio Lagos 107.5FM (Yoruba): 9:58 am daily
- EKO 89.7FM (English): 12:10 pm daily

From December 2nd to December 11th, 2024

Please share widely! Thank you for being part of our efforts in advocating for Human Rights.

26/06/2024

The Students of the Department of Psychology from Caleb University, Imota conducted a field visit to HDIF on Wednesday 26th June 2024 to know how HDIF conduct psychosocial counseling / therapy sessions.

26/06/2024

The Students of the Department of Psychology from Caleb University, Imota conducted a field visit to HDIF on Wednesday 26th June 2024 to know how HDIF conduct psychosocial counseling / therapy sessions.

24/06/2024

Motivational Talk on Mental Health in celebration of Widows' Day 2024