ABOUT US
Who are we at IRISE?
Organization Name: Initiative to Resist Institutional Slavery and Exploitation (IRISE)
About Us: IRISE is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment and liberation of women, girls, and young people. Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promoting rights of marginalized person (disability rights, indigenous rights, and refugee or displaced persons rights), promoting education, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, community building, and human liberation. We are committed to ending institutional slavery and exploitation through a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of inequality and injustice.
IRISE’s work centers on improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a particular emphasis on reducing discrimination, stigma, and combating gender-based violence. Our initiatives have made significant impacts in rural, low-income, and crisis-affected communities across Nigeria, fostering both emotional and physical healing. By collaborating with faith-based organizations, grassroots movements, women leaders, international partners, and local governments, IRISE seeks to shift harmful practices, transform social norms, and influence policies for lasting change
Vision
Our vision is a world where gender equality is the standard, and all forms of exploitation and violence against women, girls, and young people are eradicated.We strive to create an environment where education, collaboration, counseling and skill development lead to human liberation and healing for individuals and society as a whole. We envision a society where individuals have full control over their bodies, lives, and futures, supported by a community that values diversity, integrity, respect, and inclusiveness. We are committed to creating lasting change that upholds the rights and dignity of every person.
Key Information:
Focus Areas: IRISE is dedicated to addressing girls’ and women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, including tackling abortion stigma, gender-based violence and the impact of climate change and economic hardship. The organization works with women and girls in rural, low-income communities, urban areas, and crisis zones in Nigeria, achieving significant results in education, empowerment, emotional and physical healing.
By collaborating with faith-based organizations, grassroots organizations, women leaders, international bodies, communities, and local governments, IRISE aims to bring about positive shifts in practices, social norms, and policies.
Mission
Our mission is to eliminate all forms of violence and exploitation against women, girls, and young people by advocating for their health, their rights, economic freedom and reproductive choices. We aim to create access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, empower women and girls through education and economic opportunities, combat gender-based violence (GBV), address the intersection of reproductive rights with disability rights and environmental justice, and support the overall well-being of girls and women and young people. Through partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders, we drive social change, challenge harmful norms, and work towards a society where everyone can live with dignity and autonomy.
Our Values
Our core values are centered on the well-being, empowerment, safety, and happiness of women, girls, and young people. We uphold the principles of diversity, integrity, innovation, collaboration, inclusiveness, equality, respect, choice, rights, care, justice and dignity. These values guide our work and resonate throughout our initiatives and partnerships.
Intergenerational Leadership
At IRISE, we recognize the power of engaging leaders across generations. We value the diverse perspectives that different generations bring to our leadership and are committed to supporting a culture of respect and shared values. Our leadership team includes women and girls from various generational backgrounds, ensuring that our organization remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
IRISE is steadfast in its pursuit of a just and equitable society, where every individual can live free from exploitation and enjoy full access to their rights and opportunities.
IRISE Core Values
At IRISE, our core values are the foundation of our commitment to creating a just and equitable society. These values shape our mission, guide our actions, and resonate throughout our initiatives and partnerships: These core values guide everything we do at IRISE, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the empowerment, safety, and happiness of women, girls, and young people.
- Well-Being: We prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional health of women, girls, young people, marginalized persons and persons living with disability ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.
- Empowerment: We are dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health, rights, and lives through education, economic opportunities, and personal development.
- Safety: We are committed to creating safe environments where individuals can live free from violence, exploitation, and harm.
- Happiness: We believe in fostering joy and fulfillment in the lives of those we serve, promoting positive outcomes in every aspect of our work.
- Diversity: We celebrate and respect diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, ensuring that our work is inclusive and representative of all voices.
- Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions.
- Innovation: We embrace creativity and forward-thinking approaches to address challenges and drive meaningful change.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together, building strong partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
- Inclusiveness: We ensure that our work is accessible and welcoming to all, recognizing the importance of including everyone in our mission.
- Equality: We are committed to achieving gender equality and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and rights.
- Respect: We treat every individual with kindness, empathy, and fairness, honoring their dignity and worth.
- Choice: We support the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their health, bodies, and lives, promoting autonomy and self-determination.
- Rights: We advocate for the protection and advancement of human rights, ensuring that everyone can live with dignity and freedom.
- Care: We are deeply committed to the well-being of those we serve, providing compassionate support and creating safe spaces for growth and healing.
- Justice: We strive for a society where everyone has equal access to their rights, challenging inequality and working towards a more just world.
- Dignity: We believe in the inherent worth of every individual, ensuring that our work promotes and protects the dignity of all.