VAV25

The Smile Outreach’s Annual Gathering

VAV25

Voices Against Violence (#VAV25) is The Smile Outreach’s annual gathering dedicated to gender justice and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). More than just an event, VAV25 is a movement, bringing together survivors, activists, policymakers, educators, and young changemakers to confront GBV through dialogue, education, and action.

What started as #VAV24 in 2024 has evolved into a powerful, year-round initiative, culminating in this flagship event. This year, we are expanding our impact by spotlighting the Top 25 Voices Against Violence (#VAVWomen25), celebrating youth storytellers through the Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition, and driving advocacy forward with key discussions and artistic expressions.

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Annual Gathering – VAV24

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This year, #VAV25 will bring together:

  • Judges from the Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition
  • 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.

register now

What to Expect

Keynote Speeches

Insights from global voices leading the fight against GBV.

Panel Discussions

Thought-provoking conversations on policy, education, and survivor-led solutions.

Interactive Q&A Sessions

An open dialogue between participants and expert panelists.

Artistic Expressions

Spoken word, drama, music, and exhibitions showcasing resilience and justice.

#VAVWomen25 Recognition

Celebrating the Top 25 Voices Against Violence in 2025.

Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition Awards

Honoring young voices using storytelling as a tool for advocacy.

Community Engagement Booths

Connect with partners, access resources, and network with change-makers.

Event Goals and Objectives

Raise Awareness

Deepen public understanding of GBV and its root causes.

Amplify Voices

Provide a platform for survivors, activists, and policymakers to share their insights.

Foster Youth Engagement

Inspire young people to use storytelling, advocacy, and creative expression to challenge violence.

Drive Policy & Systemic Change

Shape discussions that influence policies and create actionable roadmaps for progress.

Strengthen Community Networks

Encourage collaborations and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.

Celebrate & Recognize Impact

Honor those making tangible contributions to the movement.

Meet the Face of VAV25

PROFESSOR FATIMA WAZIRI -AZI, Ph.D

Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi is a distinguished legal and development expert, Professor of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), and the founder and Executive Director of Safe Haven Foundation. 

With over 20 years of post-call experience, she has led transformative national interventions in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Trafficking in Persons, Rule of Law, and Gender Justice. A result-oriented reformer, Prof. Waziri-Azi is recognized for her survivor-centered approach and deep commitment to building inclusive systems that protect vulnerable populations especially women, girls, and Persons with Disabilities.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Sa’adatu Adamu is a highly accomplished mental health counselor, educator, advocate, and leader with over a decade of impactful experience promoting mental health awareness, trauma recovery, gender inclusion, and educational development across Africa. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF), a leading organization dedicated to mental health advocacy, substance abuse rehabilitation, support for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence, and youth empowerment.

Dr. Sa’adatu Adamu, FPCRI FCP, FICA

Helen Akinyemi is a Gender and Development Expert, a Fellow of the Centre for Global Women's Health, Johns Hopkins University, She holds several degrees and professional certifications including Gender-Pro Certificate, MSc in Gender and Development Studies from the Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University; Master's in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University; Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy; Certificate in Project Management; Certificate in Gender and Statistics; Certificate in Research Ethics; Certificate in Advocacy and Influencing, and other related Certifications. A PhD candidate in Gender and Development Studies.

Ayoola Helen Akinyemi

Aderonke Olisa is a passionate gender advocate and public health professional with over 7 years of experience in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) programming. She is deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for adolescent girls and young women across Nigeria and beyond.

Aderonke Olisa

Monisola Aiyekusehin is a passionate educator, social impact leader, and the founder of Betharbel Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free education, psychosocial support, and daily meals to over 300 internally displaced children in Abuja, Nigeria. A survivor of domestic violence and a single mother of five, Monisola turns pain into purpose, building safe spaces where children and women can heal, learn, and thrive.

Monisola Aiyekusehin

Help Us Spread the Word

Join us in making #VAV25 bigger and bolder! Here’s how you can help:

1. Create Your Personalized Flier

Show your support by using our auto-DP tool to generate a custom flier with your photo.

Create Your Flier Here

2. Share on Social Media

Use the hashtag #VAV25 and invite your network! Here’s a pre-written caption you can use:

✍️ Promotional Blurb:
“I’m excited to be part of Voices Against Violence: A Day of Awareness and Action on November 30, 2025. This event will feature powerful conversations, creative advocacy, and recognition of changemakers tackling GBV. Join me in this important conversation and register now! 🚀
📌 Register here → https://luma.com/inl90a54 #VAV25 #TheSmileOutreach #VoicesAgainstViolence”

📌 Find More Promotional Blurbs Here

Capture Memories

We encourage participants to share their experiences by uploading photos and videos to our shared drive. Let’s create a collective memory of this event and the progress we’re making in the fight against GBV.

Click here to Create a memory
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Let’s Connect

For partnerships, sponsorships, or media inquiries, please contact:
 communications@thesmileoutreach.africa
📞 Bidemi: +234 811 348 7151 | Hazel: +234 807 545 8230 | Emmanuella +234 708 929 5696

Join the Movement