Olokiki Set to Launch Official Website Friday, Reaffirms Readiness to Serve

The National Vice President and Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Association of Female Comrades, Lateef Taiwo Sofiyah, has announced the establishment of a new advocacy foundation, Empress Initiative for the Girl’s Child and Woman Advocacy, aimed at promoting the rights, protection and empowerment of girls and women across communities.

According to Sofiyah, the initiative, which she founded, is expected to be officially launched in March.

Speaking on the vision behind the foundation, she said the Empress Initiative was created in response to the persistent challenges faced by girls and women, including limited access to education, gender-based violence, discrimination, poverty and social exclusion.

“The girl-child and women remain among the most vulnerable groups in society. This initiative is about giving them a voice, protecting their rights and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she stated.

The foundation’s vision, Sofiyah explained, is to build a society where every girl and woman is empowered, protected, educated and able to live with dignity and purpose. Its mission focuses on advocating for the wellbeing and rights of girls and women through education, leadership development, economic empowerment, gender equality and social justice.

The Empress Initiative has outlined key objectives, including the promotion of girl-child education and mentorship, women empowerment and leadership development, advocacy against gender-based violence and discrimination, and the creation of safe spaces to protect girls and women from abuse and harmful cultural practices.

Other areas of focus include community sensitisation, capacity building and life-skills development, as well as collaboration with governments, non-governmental organisations, youth groups, women-led organisations and community leaders.

Sofiyah noted that the initiative will adopt a grassroots-driven and inclusive approach, working directly within communities to identify needs and implement sustainable solutions.

“The empowerment of girls and women is central to sustainable development. When women and girls are empowered, communities grow stronger and societies progress,” she added.

The launch of the Empress Initiative is expected to bring together key stakeholders, advocates and development partners committed to advancing gender equality and social justice.