HP Inc. has partnered with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria by promoting digital literacy and education. The initiative, announced in a statement that the project focuses on equipping young girls with the skills to identify and respond to abuse while empowering them for economic independence through digital tools and literacy programs.
Yesh Surjoodeen, Managing Director for Southern and Central Africa at HP, highlighted the need for collective action against gender-based violence, calling it a “complex global challenge” that demands urgent intervention. Surjoodeen emphasized that increasing literacy and digital access empowers women to navigate difficult situations, achieve economic independence, and challenge the cycle of abuse. According to him, “By fostering literacy and providing access to education, societies can empower women with the skills needed for employment and economic independence.”
Research by WARIF reveals that around 25% of Nigerian girls aged 18 to 24 report experiencing sexual abuse before age 18, though these numbers could be even higher due to underreporting. In response to this alarming data, HP and WARIF launched the WARIF Girls’ Project Plus, aimed at teaching secondary school girls digital skills and providing them with tools to recognize and respond to early signs of abuse.
The initiative has seen significant engagement, particularly in Surulere Senior High School and Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College in Lagos, with a reported success rate of nearly 100%. Girls as young as 10 years old received training on vital topics like “My Body and I,” “What is Abuse?” and “Reporting the Abuser.” These sessions, led by trained WARIF educators, also incorporated leadership and entrepreneurship skills to promote self-confidence and future opportunities.
Beyond this partnership, HP is dedicated to enhancing digital literacy and female empowerment through programs like HP LIFE and HP IDEA, which offer a range of future-ready skills. According to Surjoodeen, these initiatives not only aim to fight SGBV but also strive to close the gender gap in digital access, improving employability and fostering leadership among young women in the digital era.
Through its collaboration with WARIF and continued commitment to digital literacy, HP is taking steps to ensure that Nigerian girls and women are equipped with the skills and knowledge to combat SGBV, while also preparing them to thrive in a digital-first world.
