About CEADER 

Founded in 2006 and based in Lagos, Center for Advancement of Development Rights (CEADER) works to strengthen the rights, leadership, and economic security of women and girls across Nigeria. CEADER is dedicated to expanding access to human rights education, reproductive health information, leadership development, and vocational skills training, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. 

Grounded in gender equality, human rights, and community leadership, CEADER works with adolescent girls, low-income women, sex workers, community activists, and vulnerable communities to build knowledge, confidence, and leadership capacity. Through advocacy, public education, and community outreach, the organization equips women and girls with the tools to make informed decisions about their health, safety, livelihoods, and civic participation. 

Since joining Women’s Learning Partnership in 2014, CEADER has expanded its leadership and rights-based training programs across multiple regions of Nigeria, including communities affected by insecurity and conflict in the northeast. Drawing on WLP methodologies and curricula, the organization has strengthened opportunities for women and youth to engage in community leadership and democratic participation. 

A major focus of CEADER’s recent work has been youth empowerment and education. In 2024, the organization received approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to expand its gender equality and leadership sensitization programs across more than 300 public secondary schools statewide. CEADER continues to increase its focus on economic participation and youth leadership as Nigeria enters a period of heightened political awareness ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

Guided by international and local human rights frameworks, including CEDAW, ICESCR, and the Child Rights Convention, CEADER remains committed to equipping women and girls with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to advance gender equality, strengthen democracy, and drive lasting social change across Nigeria.

Key Accomplishments 

• Partnered with the Lagos State government to expand leadership and gender equality training in public secondary schools, including programs empowering adolescent girls as future leaders. 
• Co-hosted the Africa Youth Democracy Institute, bringing together young leaders from multiple countries for training on digital security, advocacy, and political participation. 
• Launched Nigeria’s first intergenerational Training-of-Trainers (TOT) program focused on leadership, human rights, and gender-based violence. 
• Trained teachers and parents on preventing child trafficking and strengthening community protection for vulnerable children and women. 
• Conducted pre-election trainings ahead of the 2023 national elections, supporting women’s political participation and sparking community-led civic awareness initiatives. 
• Reached hundreds of young women in higher education institutions with leadership, gender equality, and civic engagement training using WLP curricula. 
• Supported media advocacy on gender-based violence during the COVID-19 period through radio programming and survivor referral awareness. 
• Contributed to national conversations on sexual harassment in education through advocacy linked to the “Sex for Grades” investigations, which helped renew legislative attention to anti-harassment reforms. 
• Strengthened civil society capacity on Women, Peace, and Security programming, particularly in conflict-affected regions of northeastern Nigeria. 
• Implemented livelihood and participation programs for sex workers and at-risk young women, supporting income generation and reduced vulnerability to exploitation. 
• Participated in advocacy against legislation that disproportionately affected informal women workers, including campaigns related to street trading restrictions.

Organizational Programs and Activities 

• Leadership and Community Development: Delivers leadership training for women and girls in both rural and urban communities, focusing on confidence-building, civic participation, and advocacy skills. WLP curricula are integrated into its programs to strengthen leadership development and human rights education. 
• Women’s Rights and Advocacy: Supports advocacy efforts to strengthen women’s rights protections and works with communities to challenge harmful practices and structural discrimination. The organization also supports community organizations engaged in local and national policy advocacy. 
• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Conducts rights-based health education programs, focusing on access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and the prevention of harmful practices such as early marriage and female genital cutting. Programs also address stigma reduction around HIV/AIDS and sexual health. 
• Economic Participation and Livelihoods: Provides vocational training and entrepreneurship support to women and girls to expand economic opportunity and reduce vulnerability. Programs are designed to reduce economic vulnerability and expand access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

About Nigeria

Nigeria is marked by extraordinary cultural diversity and a vibrant civic landscape, alongside persistent social and economic challenges. Inequality, insecurity, and uneven access to public services continue to shape opportunities across regions, with women and marginalized groups often facing additional barriers to inclusion, representation, and rights. Ongoing conflict, economic disparities, and weak institutional protections further contribute to these challenges. 

At the same time, Nigeria has a strong tradition of civic activism and community leadership. Women-led organizations, civic  movements, and advocates continue to play an important role in expanding participation, strengthening opportunities, and advancing broader efforts toward equity, democratic participation, and social change. 

• Population: 223.8 million 
• Region: Western Africa 
• Government: Presidential Republic 
• Women in Parliament: 3.9% 
• Female Labor Force Participation: 81% 
• Key issue: Preventing violence against women and increasing women’s participation in peace and governance processes.