1. Introduction
This report highlights the activities, initiatives and impact of my advocacy work throughout the MCN Fellowship period, as well as the foundational outreach and webinar I had already initiated before the fellowship officially began. My project has consistently centred around ending gender-based violence, with specific emphasis on female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual violence prevention, and empowering young people with knowledge and advocacy tools.
2. Pre-Fellowship Activities (Initiatives Begun Before the Fellowship)
Before the official commencement of the MCN Fellowship, I had already started implementing my planned advocacy project. These early efforts were included in my application as a demonstration of my commitment to begin work immediately.
2.1 Community Outreach on FGM Awareness
I organized an outreach focused on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for young people and community members.
* The outreach aimed at educating participants on the dangers of FGM, its long-term effects on women and girls, and the need for community-based prevention strategies.
* This laid the foundation for my later work during the fellowship, as all my advocacy efforts revolve around tackling gender-based harm and entrenched cultural practices.
2.2 Pre-Fellowship Webinar on Gender-Based Violence
I also hosted a webinar addressing FGM, sexual violence, and harmful cultural norms, bringing together young people to discuss practical prevention strategies.
* Participants were introduced to the legal, health and human rights implications of these practices.
* This early webinar created an informed audience that became part of a longer advocacy chain throughout the fellowship.
3. Fellowship Activities
During the fellowship, I expanded my project into both digital and in-person advocacy efforts, engaging wider audiences and strengthening partnerships.
3.1 Online Advocacy Campaigns
Throughout the fellowship period, I consistently engaged in online advocacy on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (Twitter).
* My focus was on raising awareness on GBV, consent, sexual harassment, and young people’s rights.
* These advocacy posts sparked conversations among students and youth communities and broadened the reach of my project.
3.2 Moderation of SGBV Webinar Sessions
I moderated two webinars on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) organized by partner organizations.
* These sessions helped create safe spaces for young people to learn, ask questions and share experiences.
* As moderator, I facilitated discussions, ensured the flow of the conversation, and managed the audience-speakership interface.
3.3 Speaking Engagement on SGBV Prevention
I was also invited as a guest speaker on a webinar focused on sexual violence, consent education, and youth activism hosted by members of the Sexual Violence Response, Leadership and Advocacy Institute Cohort.
* I presented on the importance of empowering young people with preventive knowledge and the role of peer-led advocacy.
4. Planned Activities (Ongoing and Upcoming)
4.1 Physical Outreach with NO SAH Club (No to Sexual Harassment Club)
I am currently planning a major physical outreach in partnership with NO SAH (an affiliate of Clinic for Human Rights, OAU).
* This outreach will engage freshmen and other students on identifying, preventing, and reporting sexual harassment.
* It will also introduce practical resources available within and outside the university for survivors seeking help.
This activity is aligned with the overall theme of my fellowship project and will serve as the culminating physical engagement.
5. Impact Summary
Across my pre-fellowship and fellowship activities, I have:
* Reached hundreds of students and young people through digital advocacy.
* Provided direct education on FGM, sexual violence prevention, consent, and reporting mechanisms.
* Built leadership and facilitation experience through moderating and speaking roles.
* Formed partnerships with organizations such as the Clinic for Human Rights OAU and NO SAH Club.
* Laid the groundwork for sustained youth-led advocacy on campus.
6. Conclusion
My MCN Fellowship experience enabled me to expand my advocacy from an early initiative into a structured and impactful project. By combining digital campaigns, webinars, outreach, and partnerships, I have contributed meaningfully to ongoing efforts to eliminate FGM, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence within my community.
I remain committed to sustaining this project beyond the fellowship and expanding it to reach more audiences across and beyond the university community.