The Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER) Initiative is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established with the aim of promoting a deeper conceptual knowledge of sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation; providing access to health and other support services to sexual minority women through research, education, training, advocacy, empowerment and other direct services. Their goal is to advance and promote the well-being and equal rights of sexual minority women in Nigeria by addressing the health and psychosocial effects of the dual discrimination (homophobia and sexism) faced by sexual minority women and their underrepresentation in the LGBTQ movement in Nigeria.

Vision

WHER Initiative envisions a society that respects, accepts and promotes the self-realization of women regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, status, disability, and age.

Mission

WHER Initiative provides a platform for the promotion of the health, well-being and protection of the rights of women through advocacy, education and empowerment.

Aims and Objectives

• Provide support and empowerment of sexual minority women in their quest for self-realization.
• Work on accomplishing social visibility, or coming out of anonymity and isolation for the purpose of sensitizing the society and reducing homo/bi/transphobia.
• Advocate for the rights of other sexual minorities (gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer persons).
• Collaborate with other LGBTI and civil society organizations to advocate for changes in policies and legislature to achieve equal rights for LGBTI people as well as heterosexuals.
• Provide health education support or referrals to sexual minority women.
• Educate sexual minority women on sexuality, gender, and sexual and reproductive Health and Rights.