Background

Nana is a registered NGO in Northern Nigeria dedicated to empowering women and girls by providing innovative, scalable, and cost-effective interventions that challenge gender inequality. The organization upholds integrity, equity, and justice, focusing on both practical and strategic gender needs. It supports girls and women in accessing education, careers—including politics—and economic opportunities, such as financial access. Additionally, Nana builds agency among women and girls while engaging religious, traditional, and political leaders to challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination.

Recognizing key barriers such as financial constraints, social pressures, and lack of political capital, Nana’s approach goes beyond just providing opportunities. It strengthens women’s ability to negotiate against discrimination, considering cultural realities such as the seclusion system (purdah), which limits women’s mobility. Despite these restrictions, many women engage in home-based economic activities like embroidery, sewing, and agricultural processing. However, this reliance on girls for labor creates challenges in keeping them in school. Nana works to balance these cultural dynamics while promoting women’s economic independence and education.

OUR MISSION
We collaborate with key actors to provide opportunities that enhance the lives of women, girls and people living in poverty, towards achieving a just, fair and inclusive society.
OUR VISION
A world free from gender discrimination and oppressive power relations that affect women and people living in poverty.
OUR VALUES
Passionate About Girls and Women, Integrity, Equity and Justice, Accountability and Courage of Conviction

Our History

Nana began as a community-based initiative in Yauri Emirate in 2008 to enhance students’ academic performance by supporting teachers in providing extra lessons. Recognizing the high youth unemployment rate, Nana expanded its focus to financially support youth and women in growing their businesses. After two years, it partnered with a registered Microfinance Bank to manage loan disbursement and repayment. In 2015, Nana became officially registered and expanded operations to Birnin-Kebbi and Sokoto states. The organization prioritizes innovative and cost-effective interventions that empower women and girls while addressing gender inequality. With a strong local understanding, Nana engages with government, community, and religious institutions to advance its mission of equity, justice, and socio-economic empowerment.

Financials

Leadership