Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern. Across Nigeria, changing weather patterns and flooding are increasingly affecting agricultural production, household livelihoods, and food security, with potentially significant consequences for rural women who depend on smallholder farming.
Against this backdrop, a research team led by Dr Judith Ifunanya Ani, with Dr Oluwayemisi K. Adeleke, Dr Loveth C. Ode-Omenka and Dr Brendaline B. Ngwengeh, is commencing the dissemination of findings from a CODESRIA-funded research project titled “Climate Change-Induced Flooding: Implications for Food Security and Income among Female Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria.”
The study examined how climate-change-associated flooding affects the food security and income of female smallholder farmers and highlighted the wider social and economic dimensions of climate vulnerability.
The first dissemination workshop will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at 4:00 p.m. WAT.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to share the study’s findings and engage researchers, academics, practitioners, and other stakeholders in discussions around climate change, gender, agriculture, livelihoods, and food security.
The workshop marks the beginning of a series of planned dissemination activities aimed at taking the evidence beyond the research process and into wider scholarly and policy conversations.
Funded by: Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA).
I recently had the opportunity to speak on News Central TV on the subject of “Women’s Safety Across Africa and a Call for Justice and Safety for Women.” The conversation came at a time when femicide and gender-based violence continue to demand urgent public attention – not only in South Africa, but across the African continent.
As I reflected on the discussion afterwards, one question stayed with me:
When a woman is killed, should our first question only be, “Who killed her?” Or should we also be asking, “What happened before she was killed, and could her death have been prevented?”
That shift in questioning is important.
Because femicide does not always begin with a murder. In many cases, violence exists long before a woman loses her life.
Understanding femicide
Femicide refers broadly to the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. It can occur within intimate relationships or outside them.
In South Africa, the evidence is particularly concerning. The national analysis of four femicide surveys found that the intimate-partner femicide rate reached 5.5 per 100,000 women in 2020/21. The study found that intimate partners remained the leading perpetrator category, accounting for 57.5% of cases in the weighted analysis.
The same research shows another troubling pattern. The proportion of cases in which police investigations did not identify a perpetrator increased from 18.6% in 1999 to 44.2% in 2020/21.
These numbers are not simply statistics. Behind every number is a woman whose life ended, a family that lost someone, children who may have lost a mother, and communities left to deal with the consequences.
They should therefore make us ask difficult questions about prevention, investigation, protection and accountability.
A woman may not move directly from safety to death
One of the most important things we must understand about femicide is that it can be connected to a wider continuum of violence.
Before a woman is killed, there may have been threats to kill her, physical assault, sexual violence, stalking, coercive control, financial control, isolation, intimidation, extreme jealousy or threats associated with separation and relationship breakdown.
This does not mean that every woman who experiences these forms of violence will be killed. Nor does it mean that every femicide can be predicted.
But it does mean that warning signs matter.
When a woman reports violence, makes a complaint, seeks medical attention, approaches the police, goes to a shelter, confides in family members or attempts to leave an abusive relationship, these interactions can represent important opportunities for intervention.
The question is whether our systems recognise those opportunities and respond effectively.
Beyond asking “Who killed her?”
The criminal justice system must identify perpetrators, investigate cases, prosecute offenders and ensure accountability.
But justice after a woman has been killed is not the same as safety before she is killed.
This is why we need to move beyond the question of “Who killed her?” to also ask:
What happened before she was killed?
Were there warning signs?
Had she previously sought help?
Did anyone know she was at risk?
Was there an opportunity for intervention?
Did the police, health system, family, community or other institutions have information that could have been acted upon?
And ultimately:
Could her death have been prevented?
These are not questions designed to shift responsibility onto victims. Quite the opposite.
They force us to examine the systems around women and ask whether those systems are functioning as they should.
From reaction to prevention
South Africa has developed important policy and institutional mechanisms to address gender-based violence and femicide. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF provides a multisectoral framework, and the National Council on GBVF has been established in law to provide strategic leadership and coordination.
The challenge, therefore, is not simply the absence of policies.
The more difficult question is:
How effectively are these commitments being translated into protection and prevention on the ground?
A woman does not experience a policy document.
She experiences the police officer who receives her complaint.
She experiences the healthcare worker who attends to her injuries.
She experiences the shelter that either has space for her or does not.
She experiences the family member who believes her – or tells her to return to the relationship.
She experiences the community that either intervenes – or remains silent.
And she experiences a justice system whose effectiveness may determine whether a threat escalates or is stopped.
This is why prevention requires more than awareness campaigns.
It requires functioning systems.
The importance of the Femicide Review Pilot
There is an important development in South Africa that deserves attention: the Femicide Review Pilot, formally launched in August 2026.
The pilot is being implemented in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Its purpose is not simply to investigate individual murders as criminal cases. It is designed as a learning process—to examine what happened, identify systemic gaps, strengthen coordination and determine how lessons from individual cases can inform prevention.
This is an important shift in thinking.
A femicide review should encourage us to examine the circumstances surrounding a woman’s death and the institutional responses that preceded it.
Where were the warning signs?
Where did the system respond?
Where did it fail?
What information was available?
What information was missing?
What could have been done differently?
And most importantly:
What can we learn from this death that might help save another woman’s life?
The real value of such a mechanism should ultimately be measured not by how many cases are reviewed, but by whether the lessons from those cases lead to changes that prevent future deaths.
Safety is more than policing
When we talk about women’s safety, the conversation often becomes focused on policing and public spaces.
Those issues matter.
But women’s safety cannot be reduced to telling women to avoid certain places, change their behaviour, travel in groups, carry protection or remain constantly alert.
Women should be able to live, work, study, travel, form relationships and leave relationships without living under the constant threat of violence.
Safety must therefore be understood more broadly.
It includes prevention, early intervention, protection and access to support.
It requires stronger policing and forensic capacity. It requires effective reporting and surveillance systems. It requires accessible shelters and survivor services. It requires responsive healthcare systems. It requires communities that do not normalise violence. It requires research and reliable data. And it requires accountability when institutions fail to perform their responsibilities.
Communities are part of the prevention system
Government cannot do this alone.
Neither can the police.
Neither can civil society.
Communities matter because violence does not happen in isolation from social relationships and community structures.
Families, religious institutions, schools, workplaces, traditional and community leaders, healthcare providers, researchers and ordinary citizens all have a role to play.
Communities can recognise warning signs.
They can support women who disclose violence.
They can challenge harmful ideas about (hegemonic) masculinity and relationships.
They can report violence.
They can refuse to protect perpetrators through silence.
And they can help create environments in which seeking help is treated as an act of courage rather than shame.
But community responsibility must not become an excuse for governments and institutions to withdraw from their own responsibilities.
The state has obligations. Institutions have obligations. Communities have obligations. Individuals have obligations.
We need all of these levels working together.
The African conversation
Although South Africa receives significant attention because of its documented levels of femicide, women’s safety is not exclusively a South African issue.
Across Africa, women and girls experience different forms of violence shaped by social, economic, cultural, political and institutional circumstances.
The African Union’s adoption of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG) in February 2025 represents an important continental commitment to preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. The Convention is intended to strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms and address the root causes and drivers of violence.
But adoption of a continental instrument is only one part of the journey.
The real test lies in implementation, financing, enforcement and accountability.
African countries need to translate commitments into functioning systems that women can actually experience in their everyday lives.
Justice after death. Protection before death.
There is a tendency to think about justice primarily in terms of what happens after a crime.
Investigation.
Arrest.
Prosecution.
Conviction.
Accountability.
All of these matter.
But if our goal is women’s safety, we must also think about what happens before the crime becomes lethal.
Prevention.
Early intervention.
Protection.
Safe accommodation.
Survivor support.
Risk identification.
Community intervention.
Responsive healthcare.
Effective policing.
Accessible justice.
This is why I see women’s safety through four connected actions:
PREVENT→PROTECT→RESPOND→ACCOUNT
We must prevent violence before it occurs.
We must protect women who are at risk.
We must respond effectively when violence occurs.
And we must hold perpetrators—and where appropriate, institutions that fail in their responsibilities—accountable.
We should not wait for another death to learn
Every woman who is killed leaves behind more than a crime scene.
Her death leaves questions.
Was she afraid before she died?
Had she asked for help?
Did someone know?
Was there a previous report?
Was there a medical encounter?
Was there a threat?
Was there a separation?
Was there a pattern of control?
Was there an institution that could have intervened?
These questions matter because prevention requires us to learn from what has already happened.
We should not wait until another woman is killed before we discover that the systems around her were not working.
Women should not have to die before the system learns that they were at risk.
The call for women’s safety across Africa must therefore be more than a call for justice after violence.
It must be a call for systems that protect women before violence becomes lethal.
It must be a call for evidence-based prevention, effective institutions, responsive communities and meaningful accountability.
And above all, it must be a commitment to ensuring that when we remember the women we have lost, we do not only remember how they died.
We ask what could have been done to keep them alive.
Because justice matters.
But safety before death is justice in its most preventive form.
Dr. Ani continues to advance her commitment to research excellence and capacity development through active participation at workshops and conferences. During the Glotan–Durban University of Technology Joint Conference on Climate Change and Economic Management for a Sustainable Future, held in Durban, South Africa, Dr. Ani facilitated a capacity-building session titled “Writing Grant-Winning Proposals,” designed to equip academics, early-career researchers, and development practitioners with practical skills for securing competitive research funding.
The session addressed the growing need for high-quality, fundable research proposals capable of responding to complex global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
Dr. Ani’s presentation provided participants with a structured approach to grant writing, emphasizing strategic alignment with funders’ priorities, clarity in research problem formulation, and methodological rigor. She also offered practical insights into budgeting and justification, dissemination planning, and common weaknesses that often undermine otherwise promising proposals.
Key thematic areas covered during the session included:
Pre-Proposal Planning: Understanding eligibility criteria, aligning research ideas with donor priorities, and adhering to timelines.
Proposal Structuring: Clearly articulating research motivation, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions.
Budget Development and Justification: Ensuring coherence between project activities and financial plans.
Common Pitfalls in Grant Writing: Identifying and avoiding frequent causes of proposal rejection.
Responding to Rejection: Building resilience and effectively incorporating reviewer feedback into revised submissions.
A major highlight of the session was the emphasis on resilience in the grant application process. Drawing on professional experience, Dr. Ani encouraged participants to view rejection as part of scholarly growth and a pathway to improved funding success.
The session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and sharing lived experiences of grant writing challenges. Feedback from attendees highlighted the session’s practical orientation, mentorship-driven approach, and relevance to contemporary research funding landscapes.
Dr. Ani’s participation in this international conference reflects her ongoing dedication to strengthening research capacity, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting scholars to produce impactful, fundable research that contributes to sustainable development outcomes.
If cities could tell stories, Boston would whisper its tales gently – through its chilly November breeze, its busy train stations, and the warm heartbeats of the people who pass through it. This year, my visit to Boston became much more than a conference trip; it transformed into a tapestry of friendship, curiosity, culture, and countless little moments that stitched themselves into memory.
A City That Greets You With Both Wind and Warmth
Boston’s weather in November dances between crisp cold and soft sunlight, the kind that wakes you up gently but insists you wrap your scarf a little tighter. Every morning, the air smelled of roasted coffee beans drifting from cozy cafés tucked between historic brick buildings. I became loyal to the city’s coffee shops far too quickly – coffee cups always warming my hands, and, more importantly, warming my spirit. Chicken wraps, fresh vegetable bowls, and the comforting rhythm of fellow commuters made every meal feel like a pause in the rush of discovery.
Trains, Long Walks, and the Poetry of Movement
The train rides – oh, the train rides – became my daily meditation. From Hynes Convention Center to various spots, I took a long walk that stretched into the night, the city lights providing company. The sidewalks were alive with conversation, laughter, and that familiar hum of a place that refuses to sleep. Boston teaches you how to think while walking, how to breathe between footsteps, and how to appreciate the small silence that comes when the wind brushes past your ears.
The Harvard Glow
A visit to Harvard was like stepping into a living postcard. Its lawns, even in the cold, carried an unmistakable academic charm – the kind that silently reminds you of the dreams you’re nurturing. Each building felt like a guardian of centuries of ideas, and even the fallen leaves seemed scholarly.
Harvard had a hum in the air – an almost spiritual seriousness mixed with an inviting curiosity. As I walked through Harvard Yard, I noticed a small crowd gathering around the famous statue of John Harvard, the so-called “Father of Harvard” and a symbol of academic destiny for thousands of visitors.
Almost instinctively, everyone reached out to touch the statue’s foot – a ritual said to bring good luck, intellectual clarity, and scholarly breakthroughs. It was fascinating to watch people from all over the world, speaking different languages, share this single moment of reverence, each with their own silent wish.
And of course, I joined them.
With a quiet smile, I stepped forward, placed my hand on the polished bronze foot, and let myself soak in the meaning of the gesture. The metal was cold, but the symbolism was warm – standing there, touching the foot that countless dreamers before me had touched, I whispered my own prayer for good fortune, wisdom, and elevation in my academic journey. It felt almost sacred. A brief but powerful moment of connection – with the past, with the present, and with possibilities yet to unfold.
Harvard does that to you. It makes you believe more deeply in what you are capable of.
Giving Back: A Noon at Kennedy High School, Somerville
One of the most grounding and joy-filled parts of my trip was volunteering with the NGO Kids in Tech at Kennedy High School in Somerville. Stepping into the classroom felt like stepping into a world buzzing with possibility. The learners were not just energetic – they were sharp, curious, imaginative, and wonderfully alive with questions that poured out faster than we could answer.
They were the kind of kids who remind you why the future is bright.
Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, the kind that comes from genuinely wanting to understand the world – not just memorise it. They asked thoughtful questions about technology, culture, and the places I had travelled from. Many of them shared their own dreams too: becoming engineers, scientists, coders – dreams so big they seemed almost too large for the room, yet perfectly fitting for their minds.
There was also a beautiful playfulness in the way they learned. One moment they were racing to complete a robotics challenge, and the next, they were laughing loudly at inside jokes, teasing each other with the kind of camaraderie that only young, confident learners share. Their ability to balance seriousness with fun, focus with creativity, and discipline with joy was truly refreshing.
What struck me most was how effortlessly smart they were – not just academically, but emotionally and creatively. They worked in groups, supported each other, debated ideas, and celebrated every little victory with full enthusiasm. In their presence, learning didn’t feel like an obligation; it felt like an adventure.
Being with them reminded me that showing up, even for a short time, can create ripples in ways we may never fully see. They made me hopeful. They made me smile. They made me believe deeply – again – in the power of nurturing young minds.
And as I walked out of the school building that day, I carried their laughter, their dreams, and their bright energy with me like a warm souvenir.
Warm Plates, Warmer Connections
What is travel without food – without the flavors, aromas, and small sensory surprises that shape your memories as much as the places and people do?
In Boston, food became one of my quiet companions. From the steady rhythm of my daily coffee runs to the comforting familiarity of warm meals on cold days, each bite told a story. I discovered cafés where the baristas greeted you like an old friend, and where the smell of freshly brewed coffee wrapped itself around you like a gentle morning hug. Every sip seemed to nudge my energy into motion, preparing me for the conference-filled days ahead.
Then there were the wholesome vegetable bowls – vibrant, colorful, beautifully arranged. They made me feel, in the best possible way, like a responsible adult nourishing both body and intention. Crisp greens, roasted vegetables, tangy dressings – they tasted like wellness in a bowl, the kind that resets your day and reminds you that balance is a quiet form of self-care.
But one of the most heartwarming food moments was my visit to a Nigerian restaurant – one that felt like stepping into a pocket of home carved out in a foreign city. The spices embraced me instantly: the familiar warmth of pepper, the richness of stew, the aroma of well-seasoned meat; flavors that whispered, You are home, even here. I could almost hear the sounds of kitchens back in Nigeria, the laughter, the storytelling, the sense of belonging that only certain meals conjure so vividly.
We had fun. I couldn’t but capture a short video that expresses the bliss of the moment.
Boston, without trying too hard, served both nostalgia and novelty – meals with colleagues that fed my heart, comforted my soul, and reminded me that food is not just nourishment but a form of memory-making layered with social connection, shared stories, and quiet moments of belonging. And I embraced every dish wholeheartedly, savoring each moment as its own little joy.
An Embrace to Remember: Meeting the GSA President
At the GSA meetings, the warmth was not just from the heating vents but from the people – colleagues, mentors, and strangers who soon became friends. Yet one moment stood out in a way I did not expect.
The President of the Gerontological Society of America welcomed me with such genuine kindness – an amiable, heartfelt hug that instantly dissolved the monotony of long flights, cold winds, feelings of alone-ness and conference bustle. It wasn’t a formal, distant greeting; it was a gesture of openness, humanity, and true collegiality. In a field where titles and credentials often tower over personalities, her warmth felt like an invitation – not just into the conference, but into the wider family of gerontology scholars.
That embrace said something powerful about her leadership.
It reflected a leadership grounded in accessibility, empathy, and connection – qualities that are often spoken about but rarely practiced with such sincerity. She led not from behind a podium, but from a place of shared humanity. She embodied the idea that great leaders do not create distance; they create belonging. Her hug, simple as it was, symbolized the climate she has cultivated in GSA: one where emerging scholars feel seen, welcomed, and encouraged.
That brief moment, captured in my memory alongside my official GSA headshot, became a defining symbol of the professional connections, mentorship, and friendships strengthened at the conference. It reminded me that leadership is not merely about guiding an organization – it is also about lifting people, one warm gesture at a time.
Art That Got Away
My attempt to visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts turned into a story of its own – the doors were closed, but the building itself stood like a monument of imagination. Even without stepping inside, I felt enveloped by the quiet dignity of art waiting behind the walls.
Despite this failed attempt to see the Museum, I felt ready to return to the familiar streets of Medford Square. Confidently, I boarded the 96 Harvard Square bus only to realize, halfway through the ride, that something was off. The streets looked different. The shops were unfamiliar. I heard my spirit whisper to me that I was in a wrong bus and I found myself laughing at my mistake – I had boarded the 96 to Harvard square instead of Medford Square.
Here I was, returning from a temple of art which I could not see, only to find myself driven to the streets of Harvard by accident. Somehow, it felt appropriate: the universe had decided that even a trip home deserved a touch of improvisation.
By the time I corrected course and finally arrived back where I belonged, the museum visit felt even richer despite not getting to see the arts, but for the story I had collected on the way back: a little detour, a lot of laughter, and a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you take the “wrong” turn.
Colleagues, Laughter, Stands, and Midnight Conversations
The GSA exhibitions buzzed with innovation and ideas. I wandered from stand to stand, absorbing conversations, shaking hands, taking photos with colleagues – both old and newly met. Some were long-term contacts I had not seen in years; reconnecting with them felt like returning to chapters I had once paused.
Evenings turned into dinners, and dinners turned into bowling nights with faculty and colleagues from universities across the U.S. Laughter spilled across the bowling lanes as easily as the clattering of pins. Those moments reminded me that academic journeys are not only about papers and presentations – they are about people.
The Open Road: New York, New Jersey and Maryland
In the midst of conferences and commitments, I embraced the spontaneity of road trips – to New York, New Jersey and later to Maryland. The highways stretched like long silver ribbons, carrying stories, music, and laughter. New cities, new skylines, but the same spirit of adventure.
A Journey That Stays With You
Boston was cold, yes—but it warmed me in the ways that mattered.
In the friendships built, the quiet moments stolen between events, the hugs exchanged, the art longed for, the students inspired, the coffee savored, and the miles travelled by train, road, and foot.
This trip reminded me that professional journeys are deeply personal ones too. And sometimes, the most meaningful parts of a conference happen outside the conference hall – on train rides, over shared meals, through unexpected hugs, and across long wintery walks.
And oh, how could I forget these two angels – Omotola and Bunmi – whom circumstance led me to, and who became a gentle reminder that some connections are divinely timed. In their laughter, kindness, support and presence, I found warmth, ease, and the kind of companionship that turns unfamiliar spaces into moments of home. They made my stay a gentle story of laughter, warmth, and unexpected friendship, one I will carry with me long after the journey ended. My trip became softer, brighter, and deeply memorable, turning moments into lasting memories and an unfamiliar city into a place of warmth and belonging.
In a rapidly evolving digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a defining force in how research is conceived, developed, and disseminated. Recognizing this, the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN) under the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), in collaboration with C-SET (Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre), University of Regina, and Mobile Research Lab, hosted Episode 2 of its Bootcamp 6.0 series on “Leveraging AI for Credible Research Writing.”
The virtual session, held on November 2, 2025, featured two dynamic facilitators — Dr. Chinwe Igiri, Acting Director, ODeL at Mountain Top University, and Dr. Judith Ani of Walter Sisulu University, South Africa — with Prof. Evans Osabuohien, Chair of DIaDeRC, serving as host.
Exploring AI’s Role in Research
AI is reshaping every phase of the research process — from brainstorming and literature synthesis to data analysis and grant writing. As Dr. Judith Ani emphasized in her presentation, “AI can serve as a co-thinker, assistant, and collaborator — not a replacement.”
The session unpacked how postgraduate students and emerging scholars can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance clarity, structure, and efficiency in research writing. However, participants were cautioned against blind reliance on AI outputs, which may contain fabricated data or hallucinated citations.
Balancing Innovation with Integrity
A recurring theme in the discussion was academic integrity. Dr. Ani noted that “Full disclosure is required — hidden or unverified AI use amounts to academic misconduct.” Scholars were encouraged to always document which AI tools they use, the purpose, and how outputs were verified.
Key ethical practices highlighted include:
Disclosing the AI tool, version, and use case in the methodology or acknowledgments section.
Verifying all AI-generated claims and cross-checking references.
Maintaining human oversight and disciplinary grounding.
Avoiding plagiarism or mechanical writing that lacks originality.
AI Misuse and Cautions
Dr. Ani presented real-life cases illustrating AI misuse. In one instance, a lawyer in New York faced penalties for submitting fake AI-generated citations. Another involved a professor who wrongly failed students based on ChatGPT’s false confirmation. These cases underscored AI’s lack of a truth filter and the necessity of human verification.
Using AI Smartly
Participants were guided on prompt engineering — crafting precise and contextual prompts that yield relevant outputs. Dr. Ani demonstrated how researchers can use AI to refine research questions, improve clarity, and structure grant proposals, but always rewrite in their own voice and retain contextual insight.
Practical tips included:
Keeping a log of AI prompts and outputs.
Using AI for clarity, not content creation.
Discussing AI use openly with supervisors and collaborators.
What Funders Are Saying
Dr. Ani also shared insights from funding agencies that have begun flagging overly AI-generated proposals. Funders reportedly favour authenticity, conceptual depth, and contextual relevance over polished but shallow writing. The key takeaway: AI fluency does not equal research credibility.
Final Reflections
The session closed with a compelling reminder from Dr. Ani: “AI won’t replace you, but someone who uses it well might.” Participants were urged to balance efficiency with integrity, always disclosing and validating AI-assisted outputs. The Bootcamp reaffirmed ASMN’s commitment to nurturing responsible and innovative African researchers who can harness technology ethically and effectively.
At Girls Secondary School, Ngwo, Enugu State, a remarkable awareness event unfolded—one that empowered over 250 young girls with critical knowledge and confidence to confront and challenge Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Organized by the Education and Research for Sustainable Development (ERSD) supported by Due Process Advocates (DPA) and the Heroine Women Foundation, the programme was a beacon of advocacy and education.
At the forefront of this initiative was Dr. Judith I. Ani, Executive Director of ERSD and a leading voice in gender rights and research-based advocacy. Her vision to educate, protect, and inspire action against GBV brought together a team of experts and advocates who addressed the root causes, consequences, and actionable solutions to this pervasive issue.
Understanding the Urgency
Gender-Based Violence remains a critical human rights issue with far-reaching consequences. Beyond the physical harm, GBV diminishes a victim’s self-worth, triggers psychological trauma, and can lead to depression, self-harm, and social isolation. The campaign stressed that freedom from violence is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right. Participants were introduced to the causes of GBV, which include: Drug and substance abuse, Emotional frustration and depression, Unemployment and poverty, Harmful cultural ideologies, Paedophilic attitudes, etc. The facilitators also explored the various forms of GBV, such as: Sexual violence, Physical violence, Emotional and psychological violence, Economic and cultural violence, and so on. Real-life examples, including rape, domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and intimate partner violence (IPV), were discussed to deepen understanding and promote early detection and reporting.
A Multi-Voiced Movement
Joining Dr. Ani were voices like Barr. Emeka E. Ugwuonye, Founder and CEO of Due Process Advocates, and Hon. Mrs. Onyinye Chukwu Joy Mamah, Executive Director of the Heroine Women Foundation. Barr. Ugwuonye, affectionately referred to as the “digital daddy,” encouraged the girls to recognize their rights and the strength of their voices. Hon. Mamah delivered a powerful session on reclaiming self-confidence and navigating personal empowerment in the face of adversity. Another highlight was the inspiring presence of Onyii Eziallor, whose delivery created an atmosphere of awakening and personal discovery for the participants. Her engaging talk encouraged the girls to envision a future free from fear and filled with possibility.
Dr. Ani emphasized that addressing GBV requires a comprehensive approach:
Strengthening laws and policies
Raising awareness of women’s rights
Providing institutional redress and support
Mandating male involvement in prevention and advocacy
By increasing the social and legal consequences for perpetrators and promoting shared responsibility, society can take significant steps toward eradicating GBV.
A Lasting Impact
The awareness programme did more than educate—it inspired. It planted seeds of resilience and advocacy among young girls, reinforcing the role of education as both shield and sword in the fight against gender-based violence. Through initiatives like this, ERSD and its partners are building a generation of empowered girls ready to challenge harmful norms and lead with purpose. Dr. Judith I. Ani’s leadership continues to pave the way for meaningful, research-informed interventions that promote safety, dignity, and justice for all.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – February 24, 2025 – At the Glotan–Durban University of Technology Joint Conference on Climate Change and Economic Management for a Sustainable Future, Dr. Judith Ifunanya Ani, delivered one of the most engaging and impactful sessions of the event. With her extensive background in research and grant writing, Dr. Ani facilitated a session titled “Writing Grant-Winning Proposals,” equipping participants with practical strategies and fresh perspectives on how to secure competitive funding for high-impact projects.
The conference itself brought together a diverse mix of academics, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners, all focused on tackling the twin challenges of climate change and sustainable economic growth. Within this context, Dr. Ani’s session stood out as particularly timely—emphasizing that good research ideas alone are not enough; without strong proposals and effective grant-seeking strategies, valuable innovations often remain unfunded and unrealized.
Breaking Down the Essentials of Proposal Writing
Dr. Ani structured her facilitation around the key building blocks of a successful grant application, guiding participants step by step through the process:
Pre-Proposal Planning: She emphasized the importance of preparation before even beginning to draft, including understanding eligibility requirements, carefully aligning projects with funder priorities, and paying close attention to timelines and submission deadlines.
Structuring the Research Proposal: She unpacked the critical elements of a compelling proposal—articulating the motivation behind the study, framing clear and answerable research questions, presenting a sound methodology, and highlighting the project’s contribution to existing literature.
Budgeting and Justification: Beyond ideas, funding agencies look for feasibility. Dr. Ani explained how to develop a well-structured, realistic budget that aligns with project goals, and how to justify costs in ways that demonstrate accountability and strategic planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: From vague objectives to misaligned priorities, she highlighted the pitfalls that often lead to rejection, offering practical advice on how to spot and correct these errors.
Dealing with Rejection: Perhaps the most inspiring part of her session was the emphasis on resilience. She shared from personal experience how even strong applications sometimes face rejection and reminded participants that unsuccessful attempts should be treated as stepping stones rather than dead ends.
Building Resilience Through Rejection
One of Dr. Ani’s strongest messages was about changing the way researchers think about rejection. Instead of viewing it as failure, she encouraged participants to see feedback from funders as a resource. “Every rejection carries within it the seed of a stronger proposal,” she shared, noting that persistence and the willingness to adapt are often what separate successful grant winners from those who give up too soon. This message resonated deeply with participants, many of whom openly shared their own struggles and frustrations with past applications.
An Interactive and Collaborative Session
Far from a one-way lecture, the session was highly interactive. Participants engaged actively, asking questions, sharing their experiences with grant writing, and reflecting on the barriers they had faced. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and mutual learning. Attendees expressed appreciation for Dr. Ani’s approachable teaching style, her ability to break down complex processes into simple, actionable steps, and the use of real-world examples drawn from her own journey as a researcher and mentor.
Several participants commented that the session demystified grant writing for them—transforming what previously felt like a daunting process into one that is manageable, structured, and, with practice, achievable. By the end of the workshop, many left with renewed confidence and practical insights they could immediately apply to their current and future projects.
Strengthening Research Capacity for Sustainable Impact
Dr. Ani’s contribution to the conference extended beyond technical training—it reflected her broader commitment to capacity building within the academic and research community. By equipping researchers with the tools to write stronger proposals, she is also helping to unlock resources that can fuel innovative solutions to pressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and community resilience.
Her facilitation aligned seamlessly with the goals of the conference: fostering collaboration, enhancing research excellence, and ensuring that ground-breaking ideas are not lost due to lack of funding. In doing so, she reinforced her reputation not just as a researcher, but as a mentor and advocate for sustainable impact in Africa and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As participants continue to apply the lessons learned from her workshop, the ripple effects of Dr. Ani’s facilitation are likely to be felt long after the conference. Stronger proposals mean more funded projects, and more funded projects mean greater opportunities to address the urgent social and environmental challenges facing communities today.
Her session was more than a technical training—it was a call to action, reminding researchers that persistence, preparation, and strategic communication are key to turning ideas into impact.
In taking on this role, Dr. Judith Ifunanya Ani not only strengthened the skills of fellow scholars but also underscored her own commitment to advancing research excellence, sustainability, and mentorship within the academic world.
In a resounding testament to academic collaboration and capacity building, the workshop titled “Grant Writing, Winning, and Rewardable Scholarly Career in Africa”—held at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) on February 15–16, 2024—brought together some of the brightest minds in African research. Co-organised by TASUED and the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), the event hosted over 80 scholars from various public and private institutions, all converging to sharpen their skills in research, grant acquisition, and academic development.
Among the facilitators who left a lasting impression was Dr. Judith I. Ani, a respected qualitative researcher and passionate academic leader affiliated with Inspire World Foundation. Dr. Ani played a pivotal role in the workshop’s success, leading a specialised session on qualitative research methods that offered participants a deep dive into the intricacies of design, data collection, and analysis.
With clarity and warmth, Dr. Ani guided participants through the often complex terrain of qualitative inquiry, illustrating how narratives, interviews, and grounded theory approaches could be employed to uncover rich, contextual insights—particularly within African communities. Her session not only demystified qualitative research for early-career academics but also reinforced its value in tackling pressing societal issues, such as gender inequality, community health, and education.
The two-day workshop was enriched by contributions from prominent speakers and facilitators, including Prof. Evans Osabuohien (Chair of DIaDeRC), Prof. Samuel Ekundayo (Director of Research at TASUED), and Olasubomi Obadeyi of Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), who addressed research ethics and communication. It also featured a high-level engagement from public officials, notably the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi A. Arigbabu, and TASUED’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Sikiru Banjo.
Dr. Ani’s interactive approach allowed participants to explore real-world research scenarios, refine their methodological choices, and receive personalised feedback. Her facilitation underscored the critical role of qualitative research in grant-winning proposals—emphasising depth, context, and the human element behind data.
The workshop concluded with practical breakout sessions, where scholars presented concept notes in thematic groups, receiving expert feedback from facilitators like Dr. Ani. Many participants described these sessions as transformative, with several now actively collaborating in research teams formed under the new TASUED-DIaDeRC Community.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere buzzed with newfound confidence and camaraderie. Certificates were issued, media houses like NTA and Nigerian Tribune captured the moment, and facilitators like Dr. Judith Ani were celebrated for their role in shaping a new generation of African scholars.
This workshop not only showcased the synergy between institutions like TASUED and DIaDeRC but also affirmed the power of mentorship and methodical research training—areas where Dr. Ani continues to lead with expertise and inspiration.
In alignment with the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this outreach event sought to address the critical need for education for a sustainable development. Recognizing the alarming statistic that six out of 10 children fail to reach basic education due to a learning crisis, our initiative aimed to reshape perceptions of education among young minds. We believe that education should not be viewed as a daunting task but rather as a gateway to opportunity and growth. To instill this perspective, we organized an outreach event targeting over 500 beneficiaries, with the primary focus on projecting education as a catalyst for development and equipping children with essential skills for the future.
Objectives and Approach:
The core objective of our outreach was to expose children to the indispensable skills required for their holistic development, including critical and creative thinking, teamwork, resilience, and effective communication. Understanding that traditional classroom methods may not fully address these needs, we decided to utilize sport, specifically football, as an innovative entry point. Football, with its universal appeal and inherent values, serves as an effective tool for instilling important life lessons such as teamwork, respect, honesty, and resilience. By integrating football into our educational outreach, we aimed to create a fun-filled experience with lasting impact.
Implementation and Impact:
The outreach event unfolded with various engaging activities designed to blend education with sport. Through interactive sessions, children were encouraged to explore the parallels between football and life skills. They learned the importance of teamwork, the value of perseverance in the face of challenges, and the significance of mutual respect both on and off the field. Beyond physical health benefits, the event also fostered the development of psychosocial skills and leadership abilities among participants.
Moreover, the outreach served as a platform to emphasize the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting gender equality. By instilling a passion for learning at a young age, we aspire to pave the way for a future where both boys and girls have equal opportunities to lead dignified lives. The event concluded with a renewed sense of enthusiasm among participants, as they embraced the transformative power of education and sport.
Conclusively:
Our outreach event successfully merged the principles of education, sport, and sustainable development to empower over 500 children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By leveraging the universal appeal of football, we were able to instill valuable life skills while promoting the importance of education for long-term prosperity. As we reflect on the impact of this initiative, we remain committed to fostering a generation of empowered individuals who are equipped to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant global threat to human rights, public health and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. There is a growing emphasis on researching to identify issues and understand the experiences of women relative to GBV. The increasing demand for policymakers and public health practitioners to adopt evidence-based approaches in addressing GBV highlights the need for research prioritization on experiences of GBV among women in resource-limited settings such as sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explored GBV among women in 25 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to identify and present key intervention priority areas for addressing GBV in these settings.
Methods
The study involved a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative dataset from the Demographic and Health Survey of 25 SSA African countries. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Pearson chi-square (X2) at a p < 0.05.
Results
Findings revealed that women aged 25–29, living in rural areas and with primary education were at a significant risk of experiencing GBV across 25 SSA countries. A notable 44.94% of women reported experiencing at least one form of GBV, with the prevalence varying by country. Women in Comoros had the lowest reported prevalence (10.76%), while Sierra Leone women had the highest (60.27%), followed by Uganda (56.92%). Emotional and physical violence were most prevalent in Sierra Leone, while sexual violence was most common in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Discussion
This study highlights the urgent need for targeted …
