The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) is a Nigerian survivor-run, feminist, non-profit organization established in 2011 and registered in 2012. Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, the foundation works to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), promote human rights, and support survivors through survivor-centred humanitarian and social interventions.
DNF provides direct support to survivors through case management, psychosocial counselling, medical referrals and assistance, legal support, emergency shelter, and economic empowerment. The organization also conducts research, media advocacy, community engagement, and policy advocacy to challenge harmful social norms, promote gender equality, and strengthen institutional responses to violence. Its work emphasizes the dignity, safety, rights, and participation of survivors in decisions that affect their lives.
Mission
To end sexual and gender-based violence by providing preventive and responsive services for survivors, promoting social responsibility, supporting healing and reintegration, and encouraging lasting changes in attitudes and behaviour.
Vision
To create a safer society where all people can live free from violence and where no one is left behind.
Core Values
DNF’s work reflects the following principles:
- Survivor-Centred Care: Prioritizing survivors’ safety, dignity, choices, and individual needs.
- Human Rights: Promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
- Gender Equality: Challenging discrimination, gender-based violence, and unequal power relations.
- Accountability: Promoting transparency and responsibility in programmes and institutional practices.
- Inclusion: Supporting the participation and rights of marginalized populations.
- Empowerment: Helping survivors rebuild their lives and participate in decisions affecting their futures.
- Justice and Dignity: Advocating for fair treatment, access to justice, and freedom from abuse.
Core Areas of Intervention
1. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Prevention and Response
- Providing direct support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Supporting case management and referrals to appropriate services.
- Promoting awareness of domestic violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment.
- Strengthening community-level prevention and response mechanisms.
- Advocating for improved protection of survivors and accountability for perpetrators.
2. Survivor Support and Case Management
- Providing survivor-centred first-response support.
- Assessing individual needs and coordinating appropriate referrals.
- Supporting access to medical, legal, and psychosocial services.
- Assisting survivors in navigating protection and justice systems.
- Promoting confidentiality, informed consent, and dignity throughout the support process.
3. Emergency Shelter and Protection
- Providing safe accommodation for survivors facing immediate risks.
- Supporting women, girls, and children affected by violence.
- Facilitating access to essential services during recovery.
- Promoting safety planning and appropriate referrals.
- Supporting survivors as they work towards stability and reintegration.
4. Psychosocial Support and Mental Health
- Providing counselling and psychosocial support to survivors.
- Promoting emotional well-being and recovery following abuse.
- Supporting adolescents and young people experiencing mental health challenges.
- Raising awareness about mental health and access to support services.
- Encouraging compassionate, non-discriminatory responses to people experiencing distress.
5. Legal Assistance and Human Rights Advocacy
- Supporting survivors in accessing legal information and assistance.
- Advocating for the protection of women’s and girls’ rights.
- Promoting accountability for human rights violations.
- Engaging relevant institutions on justice and protection issues.
- Raising awareness of laws and policies addressing violence and discrimination.
6. Research, Media Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Conducting research on sexual and gender-based violence and related social issues.
- Using storytelling and media to raise public awareness.
- Challenging harmful cultural and social norms that perpetuate violence.
- Engaging traditional, religious, and community leaders in prevention efforts.
- Promoting positive attitudes, social responsibility, and community participation.
7. Adolescent Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
- Raising awareness of adolescent mental health.
- Promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Supporting young people affected by violence, discrimination, and social exclusion.
- Encouraging access to relevant health information and support services.
- Engaging adolescents and community stakeholders in awareness and prevention activities.
8. Women’s Empowerment and Economic Reintegration
- Supporting survivors as they rebuild their lives after violence.
- Promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance.
- Encouraging access to opportunities that strengthen financial independence.
- Addressing social and economic barriers that can increase vulnerability to abuse.
- Supporting the reintegration of survivors into their communities.
9. Feminist Leadership and Policy Advocacy
- Promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
- Advocating for gender-responsive policies and institutional reforms.
- Encouraging inclusive leadership and accountability.
- Addressing inequalities affecting women and persons with disabilities.
- Engaging policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen protection systems.
These intervention areas reflect DNF’s documented programmes and broader organizational approach.
Geographic Reach
The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation is headquartered in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, where it operates survivor-support services, including a dedicated Survivor Support Centre and a crisis and transitional shelter.
Its prevention, advocacy, and community-engagement activities also extend to surrounding communities and other locations through specific projects and partnerships. The foundation has undertaken initiatives addressing gender equality, community protection, adolescent well-being, and gender-based violence response. The geographical coverage of individual programmes may vary according to project requirements and funding.
Target Beneficiaries and Stakeholders
DNF’s programmes serve and engage the following groups:
- Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Women and girls experiencing abuse, discrimination, or exploitation.
- Children and adolescents affected by violence.
- Survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Women and children requiring emergency shelter and protection.
- Young people requiring mental health and sexual and reproductive health support.
- Persons with disabilities and other marginalized populations.
- Community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
- Healthcare professionals, social workers, and other first responders.
- Government institutions, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies.
- Civil society organizations and human rights advocates.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation works with development organizations, women’s rights institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to improve responses to gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
Its documented project partnerships have included Ford Foundation, Heinrich Böll Foundation, ActionAid Nigeria, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). These partnerships have supported initiatives related to survivor shelter, feminist leadership, institutional strengthening, community engagement, and SGBV prevention.
Careers and Opportunities
DNF offers potential career pathways for professionals interested in gender justice, humanitarian protection, social work, public health, research, advocacy, and community development.
Relevant job categories may include:
- Case Management: Case Managers, Case Management Officers, and Case Workers.
- Gender-Based Violence: GBV Officers, SGBV Specialists, and Protection Officers.
- Psychosocial Support: Psychosocial Support Officers, Counsellors, and Mental Health Programme Officers.
- Social Work and Protection: Social Workers, Child Protection Officers, and Safeguarding Officers.
- Legal Services and Human Rights: Legal Officers, Human Rights Officers, and Legal Aid Coordinators.
- Programme Management: Programme Officers, Project Coordinators, and Programme Managers.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL): MEAL Officers, Monitoring and Evaluation Assistants, and Data Officers.
- Research and Policy: Research Officers, Policy Analysts, and Advocacy Specialists.
- Communications and Media: Communications Officers, Content Creators, Video Editors, and Media Advocacy Specialists.
- Community Engagement: Community Mobilizers, Outreach Officers, and Community Engagement Coordinators.
- Adolescent Health: Adolescent Programme Officers, Sexual and Reproductive Health Officers, and Youth Engagement Officers.
- Shelter Management: Shelter Officers, Shelter Coordinators, and Protection Assistants.
- Finance and Administration: Finance Officers, Accountants, Administrative Assistants, and Human Resources Officers.
- Operations and Logistics: Logistics Officers, Procurement Assistants, Drivers, and Operations Assistants.
Career note: These are potential career categories based on DNF’s areas of work, not a confirmation of current vacancies. Applicants should check individual recruitment announcements for job requirements, location, application procedures, and deadlines.
Focus Areas – Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF)
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention • Survivor Support • Case Management • Emergency Shelter and Protection • Psychosocial Support • Mental Health Awareness • Women’s Rights • Gender Equality • Legal and Human Rights Advocacy • Adolescent Health • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights • Women’s Empowerment • Feminist Leadership • Research and Media Advocacy • Community Engagement • Policy Reform
