Initiative for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Awareness (ISRHRA)

Formed by a group of young African feminist and sexual minority women who came together in 2015 to organize and form a formidable force to tackle inequality in Nigeria, Initiative for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Awareness (ISRHRA) promotes, protects and advances the fundamental human rights of sexual minority women in Nigeria. Faced with emerging deep rooted homophobic cultural practices, intolerance, security challenges and the violation of sexual minority’s rights by states and non-state actors in Nigeria, the group believes they are positioned to lead advocacy in ending discrimination and stigmatization of sexual minority women in Nigeria.ISRHRA’s vision is to see a Nigeria that is devoid of inequalities and discrimination based on sexual orientation. They are committed to bridging the gap and creating a link between mainstream non-governmental organization and sexual right organizations. They are positioned to lead in information and home grown data generation needed to tackle stigmatization of people based on their perceived sexual orientation. Since their inception, the group has provided psycho-social support and information on fundamental human rights sexual and reproductive health rights to sexual minority women living in Nigeria. They have also engaged policy makers at various level in dialogues and advocacy aimed at ending inequalities in Nigeria. The group tried to create and maintain links between grassroots sexual minority organizations and mainstream non-governmental organizations at the national and international level.

ISRHRA annually organizes a 2 weeks football camp for Lesbian and bi-sexual women in Owerri IMO state. The camp is structured to provide sporting activities aimed at boosting the self confidence of sexual minority girls and women who are constantly bullied and subjected to discrimination and violence. The 2 weeks camp ends with a football match open to members of the public. The camp creates an opportunity for traumatized girls to interact with members of the larger community through soccer and ISRHRA considers this one of the significant achievements.