VAV24

Reflecting on Our Impact

The Smile Outreach’s Inaugural Annual Event
Date: 30th November 2024

A Look Back at #VAV24

On November 30, 2024, The Smile Outreach hosted Voices Against Violence: A Day of Awareness and Action, a groundbreaking event dedicated to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

This event, an extension of our Hand-to-Mind Project, brought together advocates, educators, policymakers, and young changemakers to engage in meaningful conversations, equip communities with resources, and inspire action. Through film screenings, expert-led discussions, and interactive sessions, we challenged narratives around GBV and explored tangible solutions to drive lasting change.

Annual Gatherings – VAV24

This year, #VAV25 will bring together:

Judges from the Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition
Past competition participants and winners
Women leaders and activists from VAVWomen
Expert speakers and advocates from our monthly virtual sessions

This event is a space for survivors, activists, and change-makers to share experiences, build networks, and shape the future of gender-based violence prevention.

Event Highlights & Key Takeaways

Film Screening

A powerful short film depicting the realities of GBV and the resilience of survivors.

Panel Discussion:

Thought-provoking discussions featuring experts, survivors, and advocates sharing strategies to combat GBV.

Hand-to-Mind Sessions:

Hands-on learning about Bold Spaces and The Good Cycle programs, including the distribution of educational comics and flashcards to promote adolescent education and awareness.

Q&A Session

A dynamic exchange of ideas, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with speakers and explore solutions.

Scan the QR Code to View the Program Agenda

Event Outcomes

Stronger Networks

The event fostered connections between advocates, educators, and survivors, strengthening the collective effort to end GBV.

Youth Engagement

Adolescents actively participated, reinforcing the importance of amplifying young voices against violence.

Commitment to Ongoing Action

#VAV24 laid the foundation for the expansion of Voices Against Violence into a year-round initiative, featuring monthly virtual events and the Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition.

Meet the Face of VAV24

Raquel Kasham Daniel – Founder of Beyond the Classroom Foundation.

Raquel Kasham Daniel is a social entrepreneur and development practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the development sector in Nigeria. She is deeply passionate about creating sustainable change, and her work has mobilized over 5,000 volunteers to implement impactful projects aimed at children in marginalized communities. Through her organization, Beyond the Classroom Foundation, Raquel has focused on education, sexual and reproductive health for girls, and alleviating extreme poverty.

Raquel’s commitment and energy have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the 2023 Lord Impact Award, the 2021 Women’s Achievers Award by the U.S. Government Exchanges Alumni Association, the 2021 Women of Change Award by the Nile University of Nigeria, and the 2021 African Luther King Heroes Award.

As an alumnus of the Global Shaper community of the World Economic Forum, a Royal Commonwealth Associate Fellow, and a two-time Personal Mentor for the Queen’s Young Leaders Program, Raquel brings a wealth of experience and insight to every project she undertakes. She is also the 2015 Coca-Cola Scholar at the Enterprise Development Center of Pan Atlantic University.

Meet the Speakers

Festus Abigail is an administrator, girl child advocate, and Executive Director of FAB Treasure Foundation, an NGO dedicated to educating and empowering young girls through menstrual hygiene education and digital transformation. She has impacted over 10,000 girls, women, and youths across Nigeria and is committed to ensuring that no girl is left behind in accessing education and opportunities.

Festus Abigail - Founder FAB Treasures Foundation

Dorkong Rimdan is a versatile professional, working as a broadcast journalist, menstrual hygiene advocate, and founder of FemPower, a non-profit addressing menstrual poverty and injustice. Currently hosting The Roadshow on CoolFM Abuja, she has moderated numerous high-profile events and advocates for women and girls through education on menstrual health and empowerment.

Dorkong Rimdan - Founder FemPower

Alu Azege is a seasoned African feminist and media expert with nearly two decades of storytelling experience in development communication. She is the Executive Director of Media Health and Rights Initiative and has been pivotal in advancing sexual and reproductive health through programs like Love Matters Naija. Alu is also passionate about youth and women’s rights, actively engaging in media-led social change initiatives.

Alu Azege - E.D Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR

Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon is a development practitioner with a focus on governance, education, and gender equality, dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in international development. She has worked with notable organizations like the African Union Development Agency and Oxfam, advocating for diversity and inclusion. Nafisa is a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow and is recognized for her efforts in empowering young women globally.

Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon - Founder HealHubCenter

Funbi Akintade is a 22-year-old social activist and founder of HealHubCenter, providing free therapy services focused on mental health and well-being. Through her initiative Operation Feed the Nation, she has fed over 5,000 vulnerable individuals. Funbi’s work has garnered recognition from platforms like Forbes Women Africa, and she remains dedicated to advocating for gender equality and social impact.

Funbi Akintade - Founder HealHub Center

Princess Ekwi Ajide is an award-winning multimedia journalist and founder of Balm for the Bruised Foundation, dedicated to reducing drug dependence and promoting mental health for women, youths, and children. As the Abuja Bureau Chief for Anambra Broadcasting Service, she advocates for human rights and anti-drug campaigns while giving voice to the marginalized, especially widows and orphans.