The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) is an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental organization established in 2011 to address the underrepresentation of women in governance and decision-making processes in Nigeria.
The organization was established to mobilize and provide financial, technical, and institutional resources that enable women to participate more effectively in leadership, politics, and public life. It works with women leaders, aspiring female politicians, civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance gender equality and inclusive governance.
Headquartered in Abuja, the Fund operates nationally across Nigeria, supporting initiatives that promote women’s leadership, political participation, research, advocacy, and policy reforms. e-Sango +2
Mission
To serve as a facilitator of equitable citizenship and sustainable participation for women in governance in Nigeria.
Vision
A Nigeria where women and men participate equally in governance, contributing to national development.
Core Values
- Gender Equality: Promoting equal rights, opportunities, and representation for women and men.
- Inclusion: Ensuring women from different backgrounds can participate in decision-making.
- Accountability: Promoting transparency and responsible management of resources.
- Empowerment: Providing women with resources, knowledge, and opportunities to lead.
- Collaboration: Building partnerships to advance women’s participation and leadership.
- Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in advocacy and programme implementation.
- Evidence-Based Advocacy: Using research and reliable data to influence policy and institutional change.
These values summarize the organization’s approach and are not necessarily its formally published list of core values.
Core Areas of Intervention
1. Women’s Political Participation and Representation
- Promoting women’s participation in elective and appointive positions.
- Supporting female political aspirants and candidates.
- Addressing barriers that limit women’s involvement in political processes.
- Encouraging equal representation in governance and decision-making.
2. Democracy, Leadership and Governance
- Strengthening women’s leadership and governance capacities.
- Providing training for women seeking elective and appointive positions.
- Promoting inclusive democratic institutions.
- Encouraging women’s involvement in public policy and governance processes.
3. Capacity Building and Leadership Development
- Organizing leadership and political participation training.
- Strengthening women’s advocacy, communication, and leadership skills.
- Providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Supporting emerging women leaders to participate in decision-making.
4. Young Women’s Mentorship
- Connecting young women with experienced female leaders and professionals.
- Providing mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Supporting leadership development among emerging women leaders.
- Encouraging young women’s participation in civic and public life.
5. Policy Advocacy and Gender Equality
- Advocating for gender-responsive policies and reforms.
- Promoting implementation of policies that advance women’s representation.
- Engaging government institutions, political stakeholders, and civil society.
- Challenging discriminatory practices that restrict women’s participation.
6. Research, Information and Documentation
- Conducting research on women’s political representation and participation.
- Collecting and analysing gender-related data.
- Publishing reports and policy information.
- Generating evidence to support advocacy and institutional reforms.
7. Voter Education and Election Observation
- Educating women about their electoral rights and responsibilities.
- Encouraging women’s participation in electoral processes.
- Supporting non-partisan election observation initiatives.
- Promoting credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections.
8. Fundraising and Grant Making
- Mobilizing financial resources to support women’s leadership initiatives.
- Providing or facilitating access to resources for female political aspirants.
- Supporting organizations working to advance women’s rights and participation.
- Building partnerships with donors and development institutions.
9. Institutional Strengthening and Partnerships
- Supporting the capacity development of women-focused organizations.
- Building networks among women leaders and civil society groups.
- Promoting collaboration between public institutions and development partners.
- Strengthening organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
Geographic Reach
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund is headquartered in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, and has a national operational focus covering Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Its programmes engage women, civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and community groups across different parts of the country. The organization works to expand women’s participation in governance at grassroots, state, and national levels. e-Sango +1
Target Beneficiaries and Stakeholders
- Women aspiring to elective political positions.
- Female politicians and elected representatives.
- Women in appointive and leadership positions.
- Young women and emerging leaders.
- Women-led and women-focused civil society organizations.
- Persons with disabilities, particularly women.
- Women voters and grassroots women’s groups.
- Gender equality advocates and networks.
- Political parties and governance institutions.
- Government agencies and development partners.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund collaborates with civil society organizations, government institutions, women’s rights networks, research institutions, and international development partners.
Its documented partners and supporters include the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, UN Women, European Union, and Open Society-related organizations. These relationships include different forms of programme support, grants, and collaboration over time; they should not all be interpreted as current funding arrangements. Nigerian Women Trust Fund +2
Careers and Opportunities
Potential career areas at the Nigerian Women Trust Fund include:
- Gender and Governance Programme Officers.
- Democracy and Political Participation Officers.
- Advocacy and Policy Officers.
- Research and Documentation Officers.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officers.
- Gender Equality and Women’s Rights Specialists.
- Capacity Building and Training Officers.
- Project Coordinators and Programme Managers.
- Communications and Media Officers.
- Grant Management and Resource Mobilization Officers.
- Finance and Administration Officers.
- Human Resources and Operations Officers.
- Data Management and Research Assistants.
- Young Women’s Mentorship Programme Officers.
These are potential career categories based on the organization’s activities and do not confirm current vacancies.
Focus Areas – The Nigerian Women Trust Fund
Women’s Political Participation • Gender Equality • Democracy • Leadership and Governance • Young Women’s Mentorship • Policy Advocacy • Research and Documentation • Voter Education • Election Observation • Fundraising and Grant Making • Institutional Strengthening • Women’s Empowerment.
