Who We Are
The Initiative for Championing Inclusive and Sustainable Human Development (I-CISHD) is a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2019. We work to advance peace, gender equality, and inclusive human development for vulnerable populations — including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Our approach combines grassroots action with national-level advocacy, ensuring that communities not only gain the tools they need but also the voice to influence decisions that shape their futures. Every programme we design is informed by community consultation and grounded in evidence-based, context-specific solutions.
Our Vision
A peaceful and inclusive society where women, youth, and vulnerable groups thrive with dignity, equality, and sustainable development.
Our Mission
To advance peace, gender equality, and inclusive human development by empowering vulnerable populations, strengthening institutions, and influencing policies for sustainable social transformation.
Core Objectives
Promote human development and democratic values through participation.
Strengthen resilience and economic recovery for vulnerable and displaced populations.
Enhance peace and security through mediation and gender-responsive approaches.
Expand access to education, healthcare, skills, and technology.
Influence inclusive policies in collaboration with government, the legislature, and civil society partners.
We are guided by the values of transparency, accountability, respect for diversity, and effective partnerships. With a team of qualified professionals and dedicated volunteers, we ensure our interventions remain community-driven while meeting international standards of practice.
I-CISHD operates under the strategic oversight of a Board of Trustees and an Advisory Council, supported by a management team and volunteers. This governance structure guarantees accountability, sound decision-making, and long-term sustainability.
We mobilize resources through:
Grants and donations from local and international partners.
Contributions from corporate and philanthropic actors.
Research, consultancy, and innovative social enterprise models.
Our Focus Areas
At I-CISHD, our programmes are designed to respond to the urgent needs of vulnerable communities while addressing the root causes of exclusion and inequality. We focus on six interconnected pillars that together drive inclusive and sustainable human development.
1. Peace & Human Security
We help communities prevent conflict before it escalates by promoting dialogue, mediation, and negotiation. Our peacebuilding work extends to climate-related risks — integrating climate resilience, WASH initiatives, and community security. We also advance women’s leadership in peacebuilding and governance, while implementing survivor-centred approaches to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
2. Education for All
Education is a right, not a privilege. We promote enrolment and retention of girls in school, while ensuring equal access to quality education for boys and girls. For disadvantaged learners, we provide educational materials, resources, and support systems that improve learning outcomes and inspire hope for the future.
3. Social Transformation & Gender-Inclusive Practices
We challenge harmful practices and promote values that strengthen equality and social cohesion. Our initiatives include transforming masculinities, ending child marriage, advancing environmental responsibility, and fostering civic engagement. Working closely with traditional institutions, schools, and religious leaders, we promote behavioural change and community ownership of new norms.
4. Women & Youth Economic Empowerment
Economic empowerment is key to recovery and resilience. We support displaced populations — especially women and youth — through livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and market systems development. By partnering with the private sector, we create opportunities for financial inclusion, literacy, and business growth, ensuring that women and young people can build sustainable futures.
5. Research, Policy Influence & Advocacy
Our advocacy is rooted in evidence. We collaborate with government, security agencies, civil society, media, and international partners to influence inclusive and gender-responsive laws and policies. Through research and strategic partnerships, we ensure that reforms are guided by robust evidence, adequately resourced, and accountable — turning commitments into tangible change for vulnerable groups.
6. Human Development & Skills
We expand human potential through training, mentorship, and capacity building. Our programmes link youth to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while promoting digital literacy and future-of-work skills. We also strengthen access to healthcare, nutrition, and wellbeing as the foundation of sustainable human development.
Cross-Cutting Priorities
Across all focus areas, we mainstream gender equality, intersectionality, and inclusion — ensuring displaced persons, women affected by conflict, persons with disabilities, youth, and minorities are not left behind. We also prioritise women’s and youth’s political participation, the climate–peace–security nexus, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Make a Difference
Your support makes inclusion possible. Partner with us, volunteer your time, or make a donation to help us reach more communities.
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