HerGovernment, an experiential civic education initiative supported by the Nigeria Youths Future Fund (NYFF), has launched its inaugural cohort. This programme aims to provide young women in Lagos with a deeper understanding of governance, public policy, and civic participation. The initiative is designed to move beyond theoretical learning, offering participants practical experiences in governance and public institutions.
The two-month programme, running from October to November 2026, consists of three stages: interactive online workshops, a physical visit to selected government institutions, and an online advocacy campaign. The workshops will cover topics such as Government 101, Women, Public Policy & Power, Engage with Government, and Turning Experience to Civic Action. These sessions will be facilitated by experienced professionals, including Victoria Oladipo, Bukola Taiwo, Ajifa Solomon, and Cynthia Akujobi.
Through the online workshops, participants will explore how government works, the influence of public policies on women and their communities, and ways young people can engage with public institutions and decision-making processes. The programme also includes a one-day physical visit to selected government institutions, where participants will observe public-sector processes and interact with officials. This hands-on experience aims to provide a practical understanding of how institutions operate.
The final stage of the programme focuses on advocacy, where participants will translate their learning and experiences into an online advocacy campaign. Using digital platforms, they will raise awareness and engage wider audiences on governance and public policy issues affecting women and their communities. This approach enables participants to apply their knowledge and make a tangible impact.
According to Precious Obiabunmo, Founder of HerGovernment, the initiative aims to make governance more accessible and relatable to young women. She notes that public policy and governance can seem distant or complicated, especially with limited opportunities to experience government operations firsthand. HerGovernment seeks to bridge this gap by providing a platform for young women to learn, experience, and participate in civic life.
The programme is open to young women aged 18 to 35 living in Lagos who have an interest in government, public policy, and civic participation. Participants will have opportunities to learn from practitioners and connect with like-minded young women. By combining learning, institutional exposure, and advocacy, HerGovernment aims to equip participants with practical knowledge to understand the systems shaping their communities and identify avenues for engagement.
Applications for HerGovernment Cohort 1 are currently open to eligible applicants. This initiative is a significant step towards empowering young women in Lagos to engage with governance and public policy. By providing a comprehensive learning experience, HerGovernment hopes to inspire a new generation of civic leaders and active citizens.
Key points
- HerGovernment's programme includes a combination of online workshops, physical institutional visits, and online advocacy campaigns.
- The initiative aims to make governance more accessible and relatable to young women in Lagos.
- Applications for HerGovernment Cohort 1 are currently open to young women aged 18 to 35 living in Lagos.
