By Anuli Aniebo, executive director of HEIR Women Hub (HWH), has earned a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her achievement isn’t just personal—it’s a step forward in her mission to reshape leadership and gender inclusion in Nigeria.
Speaking in a statement from Abuja, Aniebo said her studies gave her a new lens to approach advocacy, leadership, and systemic reform. She emphasized that the academic training has expanded her understanding of how gender identity and patriarchal norms shape Nigeria’s political and institutional structures. “It reshaped my mindset,” she stated, “and enhanced my ability to intervene in situations differently.”
The gender advocate noted that her studies were deeply rooted in African academic discourse, giving her tools to push beyond tradition and champion more inclusive spaces for young women. “We’re often excluded from leadership, but that needs to change—and I now have new tools to help make that happen,” she said.
At HWH, her knowledge is already taking shape in practice. Backed by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), the group has spent over five years battling workplace sexual harassment. “Our findings show that over 52% of young women have experienced harassment in the workplace,” Aniebo revealed. They are now moving into validation meetings and policy checks, starting with organizations in the FCT.
Aniebo also highlighted a troubling truth: Nigerian institutions still blame victims and delay justice. “The burden of proof remains on the victim,” she said. “And often, survivors are discredited before they’re even heard.” She called for mindset re-engineering and urged stakeholders to listen to data, not dismiss it.
Returning home with a new degree and global perspective, Aniebo is focused on change. “I’ve started writing on the historical contributions of women and engaging in media dialogues,” she said. “Hard work, equality, intelligence, and respect—those are the values that drive this mission, and they never go out of style.”
