Women empowerment

Equality For All:
Strong Women,
Stronger World.

We empower women and girls across Nigeria to overcome barriers, claim their rights, and transform their communities through education, protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

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Our Impact in Action

World Humanitarian Day | #actforhumanity

Empowering Since 2013

Our Impact in Numbers

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Lives Impacted
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States Reached
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Years of Impact
BOWDI programs
13+ Years of Impact
Who We Are

Empowering Women, Transforming Communities

The Bridge for Women Development Initiative (BOWDI) formally known as Borno Women Development Initiative has established itself as a pioneering force in advancing the rights and welfare of women and girls in Nigeria. Headquartered in Maiduguri, Borno State, with a liaison office in Abuja and field offices in Adamawa, Yobe, and Sokoto states, BOWDI has been at the forefront of implementing community-led models that foster protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, mitigation and response, food security, livelihood, and education programs.

Through our comprehensive programs in protection, education, livelihoods, and emergency response, we have touched over 3 million lives across seven states.

Protection & GBV Response
Education & Skills
Food Security
Peace Building
Discover Our Story
Founder/Executive Director
Founder's Message

Empowering Women and Girls for a Sustainable Future

"This organization was founded with the goal of establishing a community of strong and focused women and girls. These groups will continue to positively contribute to the development of our societies, working towards a safe and prosperous future for the next generation. The objective is to create a developed and sustainable community that offers long-term solutions to the challenges of violent conflict, weakened economy, and deteriorating education systems in Nigeria and Africa. Our vision is to decrease gender inequality and alleviate the growing poverty in our communities, particularly among women and girls."

"I firmly believe that by working together with donors, government entities, individuals, corporate groups, and organizations, we can restore dignity in vulnerable and marginalized communities. It is crucial to provide assistance to victims of violent conflict and restore their hope. I see this as an opportunity for change and to support individuals in need by creating an environment that fosters hope for their future."

"Throughout the years, we have established one of the best women-led organizations that has formed partnerships with multilateral institutions, international organizations, national organizations, philanthropists, individuals, and private sectors. The staff of BOWDI has been provided with various opportunities to develop their capacities in the fields of humanitarian aid and development across Nigeria."

MRS. Fatima Yerima Askira

Founder: Bridge for Women Development Initiative - BOWDI
What We Do

Our Thematic Areas

We work across six key areas to create comprehensive, lasting impact in the lives of women and girls.

Protection & GBV

Providing survivor-centered support, prevention programs, and advocacy to end gender-based violence.

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Food Security & Livelihood

Supporting sustainable agriculture and income-generating activities for food-insecure households.

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Peace & Security

Empowering women as agents of peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities.

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Education

Expanding access to quality education and skills training for women and girls.

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Economic Investment

Promoting economic empowerment through microfinance, entrepreneurship, and social investment.

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Emergency Response

Rapid deployment of life-saving assistance to communities affected by crises.

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Our Impact

Featured Projects

Explore our ongoing and completed projects making a real difference across Nigeria.

Our Reach

Impact at a Glance

Transparent reporting on our geographic reach, fund allocation, and impact growth.

Our Geographic Presence

BOWDI operates across seven states in Nigeria, focusing on conflict-affected and underserved communities.

Coverage by State

Borno State - 42%
Adamawa State - 20%
Yobe State - 16%
Sokoto State - 8%
Katsina State - 6%
Zamfara State - 5%
Niger State - 3%
Headquarters: Maiduguri, Borno State

Fund Allocation

Impact Growth (2013-2026)

Knowledge Hub

Reports & Downloads

Access our latest reports, the GBV handbook and other key documents.

Annual Reports PDF
Featured New
BOWDI Mar 2025 0

BOWDI Annual Report 2024

A comprehensive review of BOWDI's programs, achievements and impact across Nigeria during 2024.

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GBV Handbook & Guidelines PDF
Featured New
BOWDI Protection Team Aug 2024 0

GBV Standard Operating Procedures Handbook

A survivor-centred guide for front-line responders on the prevention, mitigation and response to gender-based violence.

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Annual Reports PDF
New
BOWDI Mar 2024 0

BOWDI Annual Report 2023

Highlights of our work with women and girls in 2023, including reach, outcomes and lessons learned.

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Our Partners

Our Donors & Partners

We are grateful for the support of these organizations that make our work possible.

Safeguarding & Accountability

Everyone has the right to be safe. Report any concern of abuse, exploitation or misconduct confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

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